May
God knew that the beginning
of May's gentle growth was most timely.
Fresh stalks grew unstintingly
4 on the first day of the pure gentle month of May.
Trees with unwithered tops detained me,
it was the great Lord who provided May yesterday.
The darling of poets would not disappoint me,
8 May brought me the good life.
A fair handsome youth who gave me gifts,
May is an obliging generous nobleman.
He sent me true coinage,
12 the pure green slices of May's tender hazels,
florins of the treetops which would not vex me,
the fleur-de-lis riches of the month of May.
It kept me secure from treachery
16 beneath the leafy wings of May's cloaks.
I am full of anger that May
does not stay forever, it is a mint of money for me.
I tamed a girl who welcomed me,
20 a gentle one of good stock under May's chancel.
May is the foster-father of fair poets,
gentle ones devoted to love, and he dignified me.
May is enemy to the guardian of a girl's love,
24 the Jealous One saw her.
Godson of the perfect Lord,
green and splendid, great is May's dignity.
He who refined me came from heaven
28 to the world, May is my life.
Slope is green, lively love-messenger,
long the day around May's fresh woods.
Light green, he would not hide away,
32 are hillsides and tips of May's bushes.
Short is the night, a journey is no hardship,
fair are the hawks and blackbirds of May.
Lively the nightingale where she presented a recital,
36 and the little birds of May.
He taught me vibrant passion,
there is no great glory but May.
Green-winged peacock of a court,
40 which one of a thousand? May is foremost.
Who but May would create it
from leaves in the space of one month?
He reared a green wall,
44 splendid fresh hazels, May's little slices.
Winter is awash with pools,
best if it perished, May is the most gentle.
Spring is at an end, I care not,
48 bright and fine is the gentle gold richness of May.
The start of radiant summer destroyed it,
it breeds tears, May is without bitterness.
He clad me in the leaves of green-barked hazel,
52 May brings me the good life.
Let God the wise firm judge
and Mary protect the month of May.