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Poem July 23, 1793

The New Hampshire Gazette

Portsmouth, Rockingham County, New Hampshire

What is this article about?

A pastoral song for May-Eve praising Kate of Aberdeen as the fairest virgin, likened to the May queen, amid moonlit streams, shepherds' vigils, and nature's awakening.

Clipping

OCR Quality

95% Excellent

Full Text

SONG.

May-Eve: or, Kate of Aberdeen.
Cunningham.

THE silver moon's enamour'd beam
Steals softly through the night,
To wanton with the winding stream,
And kiss reflected light.

To beds of state go, balmy sleep.
('Tis where you've seldom been)
May's vigil while the shepherds keep
With Kate of Aberdeen.

Upon the green the virgins wait,
In rosy chaplets gay,
Till morn unbars her golden gate,
And gives the promis'd May.

Methinks I hear the maids declare
The promis'd May, when seen,
Not half so fragrant, half so fair,
As Kate of Aberdeen.

Strike up the tabor's boldest notes:
We'll rouse the nodding grove;
The nested birds shall raise their throats,
And hail the maid I love.

And see—the matin lark mistakes,
He quits the tufted green:
Fond bird! 'tis not the morning breaks,
'Tis Kate of Aberdeen.

Now lightsome o'er the level mead,
Where midnight Fairies rove:
Like them the jocund dance we'll lead,
Or tune the reed to love:

For see, the rosy May draws nigh,
She claims a virgin queen;
And hark! the happy shepherds cry,
'Tis Kate of Aberdeen.

What sub-type of article is it?

Song Pastoral

What themes does it cover?

Nature Seasons Love Courtship

What keywords are associated?

May Eve Kate Aberdeen Spring Celebration Shepherds Maiden Queen

What entities or persons were involved?

Cunningham.

Poem Details

Title

May Eve: Or, Kate Of Aberdeen.

Author

Cunningham.

Subject

May Eve Celebration

Key Lines

The Silver Moon's Enamour'd Beam Steals Softly Through The Night, To Wanton With The Winding Stream, And Kiss Reflected Light. 'Tis Kate Of Aberdeen.

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