powder, which they fired into the air or at the
spectators. Lastly came the hobby-horse, ambling,
curvetting, and snapping its jaws. It may be
remarked that the Padstow hobby-horse is wonderfully like the Celtic horse decoration found on old
pillars and crosses with interlaced work. The
procession went first to Prideaux Place, where the
late squire, Mr. Prideaux Brune, always emptied a
purse of money into the hands of the "Pairs." Then
the procession visited the vicarage, and was welcomed
by the parson. After that it went forth from the
town to Treator Pool "for the horse to drink."
The Mayers finally arrived at the Maypole, and danced round it singing the "Day Song."
Refrain. "Awake, S. George, our English knight, O!
For summer is a-come, and winter is a-go.
1. "Where is S. George? and where is he, O ?
He's down in his long boat, upon the salt sea, O !
2. "Where are the French dogs that made such a boast, O ?
They shall eat the goose feathers, and we'll eat the roast, O !
3. "Thou might'st ha' shown thy knavish face and tarried at home, O!
But thou shalt be a rascal, and shalt wear the horns, O !
4. "Up flies the kite, down falls the lark, O !
Aunt Ursula Bird wood she had an old ewe.
5. "Aunt Ursula Birdwood she had an old ewe.
And she died in her own park long ago."
It is obvious that the song is very corrupt, but the air to this and to the "Morning Song" are very bold and ancient.[1]
Although the Maypole has been given up, the hobby-horse still prances on May Day.
Padstow Harbour is spoiled by the Doom Bar,
- ↑ I have given them in my Garland of Country Song, Methuen, 1895.
