Thanks for the helpful answer, Metchosin. And now I have another question re another variant I've just seen:

Go no more a-rushing, maids, in May
Go no more a-rushing, maids, I pray
Go no more a-rushing, or you'll fall a-blushing
Bundle up your rushes and haste away.


What does "rushing" mean, and why will the maids end up "blushing"?

Thanks, Bev