fortnight, when it was taken down, stripped, and the pole returned."—(Henry Harding, Padstow, W. Antiquary, August, 1883.)
"Formerly all the respectable people at Padstow kept this anniversary, decorated with the choicest flowers; but some unlucky day a number of rough characters from a distance joined in it, and committed some sad assaults upon old and young, spoiling all their nice summer clothes, and covering their faces and persons with smut. From that time—fifty years since—(1865) the procession is formed of the lowest.
"The May-pole was once decorated with the best flowers, now with only some elm-branches and furze in blossom. The horse is formed as follows : The dress is made of sackcloth painted black—a fierce mask—eyes red, horse's head, horse-hair mane and tail; distended by a hoop — some would call it frightful. Carried by a powerful man, he could inflict much mischief with the snappers, &c. No doubt it is a remnant of the ancient plays, and it represents the devil, or the power of darkness. They commence singing at sunrise.
For summer is comen to-day;
For whither we are going we all will unite.
In the merry morning of May.
For summer is comen to-day;
And bright is your bride that lays by your side.
In the merry morning of May.
For summer is comen to-day;
And give us a cup of ale, the merrier we shall sing
In the merry morning of May.
For summer is comen to-day;
And all your body under as white as any milk.
In the merry morning of May.
For summer is comen to-day;
They might have built a ship and gilded her with gold.
In the merry morning of May.
