It was formerly the custom for the bonny milk-maids to dance before the houses of their customers in the month of May, to obtain a small gratuity; and there is a dear old English tune, “The merry milk-maids in green,” that was probably the one to which they were wont to dance. To be a milk-maid and to be merry were synonymous terms in the olden time.
Pepys, in his diary, 13th October 1662, says, “With my father took a melancholy walk to Portholme, seeing the country-maids milking their cows there, they being there now at grass; and to see with what mirth they come all home together in pomp with their milk, and sometimes they have music go before them.”
In Beaumont and Fletcher’s play, “The Coxcomb,” printed in 1647, two milk-maids are introduced, Nan and Madge, and the scene in which they are on the stage is so charming, that I venture to quote a good deal of it—the authors have so happily caught the kindliness, the simplicity, the joyousness of the English milk-maid of yore.
But one word I must premise. Viola, the heroine of the play is astray and wandering over the country seeking to conceal whence she is and who she is.
“The evening comes and every little flower Droops now, as well as I.”
Then enter Nan and Madge with milk pails.
“_Nan._ Good Madge, Let’s rest a little; by my troth, I’m weary. This new pail is a plaguy heavy one.
_Viola (aside)._ What true contented happiness dwells here, More than in cities! Would to God my father Had lived like one of these, and bred me up To milk, and do as they do. Methinks ’tis A life that I would choose. Maids! For charity, give a poor wench one draught of milk, That weariness and hunger have nigh famished!
_Nan._ If I’d but one cow’s milk in all the world You should have some on’t: There, drink.
_Nan._ Madge, if she does not look as like my cousin Sue O’ th’ Moor Lane, as one thing can look like another.
_Madge._ Nay; Sue has a hazel eye, I know Sue well; And, by your leave, not so trim a body, neither; This is a flat-bodied thing, I can tell you.
_Nan._ She laces close, By the Mass, I warrant you; and so does Sue too.”
Then Viola entreats the two girls to find her where she may not only lodge, but also find work.
“_Nan._ Uds me, our Dorothy went away but last week, And I know my mistress wants a maid, and why May she not be placed there? This is a likely wench, I tell you truly, and a good wench, I warrant her.