Under yonder flowering tree...



This year’s Branch of May is the familiar Apple tree, under which the first lovers may have lain. Actually, the Bible does not call the fruit of Paradise an apple, but it has long been so identified in European lore, perhaps owing to its ancient tradition of husbandry, and a link we have drawn between the knowledge-bearing fruit and the control of nature.




But though we may guide the trees into differing breeds, in truth we can control their life-force no more than we can rule the love that blossoms in our own breasts, as fugitive as any flitting bird that feeds unbidden in our orchards.





Two maidens went milking one day,
Two maidens went milking one day,
And the wind it did blow high,
And the wind it did blow low,
And it tossed their pails to and fro,
la, la, la,
And it tossed their pails to and fro.

They met with a man they did know,
They met with a man they did know,
And they said, "Have you the will?"
And they said, "Have you the skill,
For to catch us a small bird or two,
la, la, la,
For to catch us a small bird or two?"

"Here’s a health to the Blackbird in the bush,
Likewise to the merry little doe,
If you will come along with me
Under yonder flowering tree,
I might catch you a small bird or two,
la, la, la,
I might catch you a small bird or two."

So they went and they sat 'neath a tree,
The went and they sat 'neath two,
And the birds flew 'round about,
Pretty birds flew in and out,
And he caught them by one and by two,
la, la, la,
And he caught them by one and by two.

Now, my boys, let us drink down the sun,
My boys, let us drink down the moon,
Take your lady to the wood
If you really think you should,
You might catch her a small bird or two,
la, la, la,
You might catch her a small bird or two.


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