How we cite our quotes: (Line)
Quote #1
[…] 'tis sin,
Nay, profanation to keep in,
Whereas a thousand virgins on this day
Spring, sooner than the lark, to fetch in May (11-14)
"Sin" and "profanation" are dripping with Christianity, but is the speaker talking about missing Sunday school or buying soda on the Sabbath? Not a chance. He flips these words around, adds a dash of irony, and claims instead that it's a sin to play hooky on May Day. In other words, May Day = a Holy Day, not just a holiday. By sleeping in, Corinna's not respecting this day of village fun.
Quote #2
Wash, dress, be brief in praying:
Few beads are best when once we go a-Maying (27-28)
He's not telling her to skip praying completely, but he does want her to cut some corners. This is a day of revelry and joy, not religious devotion.
Quote #3
[…] see how
Devotion gives each house a bough
Or branch: each porch, each door ere this
An ark, a tabernacle is,
Made up of white-thorn neatly interwove. (31-35)
Instead of a real ark or tabernacle (sacred vessels used in Christian churches), the village houses are decorated with branches of flowering trees. So why would the speaker pick such a religious metaphor? Just like in lines 11-14, he's stealing religious language and reinventing it for this pagan holiday. These braided branches might not be Christian objects, but they're just as holy—they're just symbols of love, nature, and tradition instead of God.
Quote #4
Come, we'll abroad; and let's obey
The proclamation made for May:
And sin no more, as we have done, by staying (39-41)
According to our speaker, May Day is such a famous festival that it's basically an institution, protected by law. Take that, you creepy sneaky Puritans! You're up against a holiday with a freaking proclamation. And don't get your 17th-century knickers in a twist over religious immorality either, because this party also has the religious weight of Christianity, thankyouverymuch. It's a sin to stay inside on such a beautiful holiday.
Quote #5
There's not a budding boy or girl this day
But is got up, and gone to bring in May.
A deal of youth, ere this, is come
Back, and with white-thorn laden home.
Some have despatch'd their cakes and cream (43-47)
Talk about neighborhood block party. Everyone is involved in this May Day celebration. And you've got to admit, it sounds like some pretty good times: flower arrangements, flirtations, and lots of potluck dessert.
Quote #6
Come, let us go while we are in our prime;
And take the harmless folly of the time (57-58)
Yeah, it might be silly to dance around a big stick stuck in the ground, but it's also wonderful fun that hurts no one and actually does a lot of good. Since it makes people happy and celebrates the beauty of nature, our speaker thinks that's reason enough to keep this holiday on the books.