Illinois Verse/Ballade of the May-pole Dance
Ballade of the May-pole Dance
The loveliest sight of the college year,— The dance that comes in the month of MayWhen all the pretty co-eds appear Upon the green in dresses gay. As the sun is casting its last bright rayThe ribbons from the pole they slip, And with a whirl and a long sash-ayTo Spring's blithe song they lightly trip.
They twist around till comes the fear The pole cannot be wrapped that way;—A burst of music; a deafening cheer! And not a flutter to betray That hands had touched it other than fay.The bright-hued figures flash and dip And back to their places with rythmic swayTo Spring's blithe song they lightly trip.
The queen enthroned with attendants near, The crowning event of the festive day,The Morris dancers with horse so queer Prance and turn. Then shepherd-hayAnd the jesters skip and have their say.Now clouds and flowers dance a bit And as their lord, the Sun, obeyTo Spring's blithe song they lightly trip.
Envoi
O Alma Mater, this happy lay Accept we pray, if it seems fit.Smile on your children in their play; To Spring's blithe song they lightly trip.