Corinna's Going A-Maying Man and the Natural World Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Line)

Quote #1

    See how Aurora throws her fair
    Fresh-quilted colours through the air:
    Get up, sweet slug-a-bed, and see
    The dew bespangling herb and tree.
Each flower has wept and bow'd toward the east
Above an hour since: yet you not dress'd (3-8)

Not only is the natural world beautiful and awe-inspiring; it's also really good at getting work done. Corinna may be just as beautiful, but her laziness makes for a pitiful contrast.

Quote #2

Rise and put on your foliage, and be seen
To come forth, like the spring-time, fresh and green,
    And sweet as Flora. […] (15-17)

Okay, she's not actually dressed in leaves and daisy chains. Her clothes are only called "foliage" because he wants her to embody the purity of nature. We're going for a simple Flora look this morning: pretty and fresh.

Quote #3

                                     Take no care
    For jewels for your gown or hair:
    Fear not; the leaves will strew
    Gems in abundance upon you: (17-20)

Since this holiday celebrates spring, the speaker tells Corinna to get her back-to-nature spa on. She should adorn herself as simply as possible, to imitate nature. No caked-on makeup or Bath & Body Works jasmine lotion for this holiday.