THE curtain on the grouping dancers falls, The heaven of color has vanished from our eyes; Stirred in our seats we wait with vague surmise What haply comes that pleases or that palls. Touched on the stand the thrice-struck baton calls, Once more I watch the unfolding curtain rise, I hear the exultant violins premise The well-known tune that thrills me and enthralls. Then trembling in my joy I see you flash Before the footlights to the cymbals' clash, With laughing lips, swift feet, and brilliant glance, You, fair as heaven and as a rainbow bright, You, queen of song and empress of the dance, Flower of mine eyes, my love, my heart's delight! |