Right so as these holtes and these hayes,
That han in winter dede been and dreye,
Revesten hem in grene, whan that May is,
Whan every lusty lyketh best to pleye;
Right in that selve wyse, sooth to seye,
Wax sodeynliche his herte ful of joye...
The Modern English translation is just as beautiful.
Just as these groves and hedges,
Which in winter had been dead and dry,
Clothe themselves in green when May arrives,
When every lively creature most desires to play;
In that same way, truly to say,
His heart suddenly filled with joy...
I love this illustration by S R Badmin from the Ladybird Trees, and Chris's photos are also lovely.
