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Illinois Verse/Ballade of the May-pole Dance

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4364822Illinois Verse — Ballade of the May-pole DangeAnna Shattuck Palmer
Ballade of the May-pole Dance
The loveliest sight of the college year,—
The dance that comes in the month of May
When all the pretty co-eds appear
Upon the green in dresses gay.
As the sun is casting its last bright ray
The ribbons from the pole they slip,
And with a whirl and a long sash-ay
To 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 sway
To 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-hay
And the jesters skip and have their say.
Now clouds and flowers dance a bit
And as their lord, the Sun, obey
To 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.