kissed were thus spent, after which, drawing up before the house "the
King" was given, with three times three; next came "God save the King,"
and then "_Hurrah for the Bonnets o' Blue_" led the party off in
the order they came to witness the ceremony of "dressing" the May-Pole.
About five hundred yards brought us to the elevated object on which was
placed, with all due solemnity, the before-mentioned garlands, and the
pole being considered fully dressed, we all adjourned to a large barn,
where dancing was kept up with great spirit, until night drew her sable
curtain over the scene, and the company retired with light hearts and
weary feet to their peaceful homes.

Such, sir, is the Dorsetshire way of hailing the return of gentle skies
and genial seasons; a custom of the olden time, which is productive of
good feeling among all classes, and is at present conducted with good
order and respectability.

_Sturminster_.

RURIS.

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Old Poets.

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