Gayly Sounds The Castanet. (Maltese Air.)

Gayly sounds the castanet,         Beating time to bounding feet,     When, after daylight's golden set,         Maids and youths by moonlight meet.     Oh, then, how sweet to move      Thro' all that maze of mirth,     Led by light from eyes we love         Beyond all eyes on earth.     Then, the joyous banquet spread         On the cool and fragrant ground,     With heaven's bright sparklers overhead,         And still brighter sparkling round.     Oh, then, how sweet to say         Into some loved one's ear,     Thoughts reserved thro' many a day         To be thus whispered here.     When the dance and feast are done,         Arm in arm as home we stray,     How sweet to see the dawning sun         O'er her cheek's warm blushes play!     Then, too, the farewell kiss--         The words, whose parting tone     Lingers still in dreams of bliss,         That haunt young hearts alone.