May Day Carol

I've been a-wandering all the night
And the best part of the day
Now I'm returning home again
I bring you a branch of May

A branch of May, my love, I say
Here at your door I stand
It's nothing but a sprout, but it's well budded out
By the work of the Lord's own hand

Take a bible in your hand
And read a chapter through
And when the day of judgment comes
The Lord will think of you

In my pocket I've got a purse
Tied up with a silver string
All that I do need is a bit of silver
To line it well within

My song is done and I must be gone
I can no longer stay
God bless you all both great and small
And send you a joyful May

recorded by Jean Ritchie on "Carols for all Seasons"
and by Edna Ritchie on Folk Legacy
SOF