O come ye gentle family

and the honest pure girls,

the tiresome days have ended,

we shall have lovely summer’s weather.

Mayday will bring fair flowers,

good things and health

to the breast,

where before there were aching hearts.

Have mercy and open the door.

Summer has come to your threshold

and leaves upon the branches,

and the sun with blushing warmth

to nourish the speckled cattle

amongst the primroses and clovers.

The day will bring its gifts

and the benefits of rain and sunshine.

You girls come to the crowd

and you lethargic lads.

Let summer’s heat warm you up

and I shall sing you a song.

‘Tis better that you play together

on the mountainside

than to meddle on the seas

to face the forces of the French.

You peace loving gentleman

and your wife that has the same inclination,

may you have a happy year

and gentle lovely weather.

May the spring bless you,

your house and your children within,

where we have received respect and welcome

whilst singing our summer song.