Gavotte

(Old French)

Memories long in music sleeping,

  No more sleeping,

    No more dumb;

Delicate phantoms softly creeping

  Softly back from the old-world come.

Faintest odours around them straying,

  Suddenly straying

    In chambers dim;

Whispering silks in order swaying,

  Glimmering gems on shoulders slim:

Courage advancing strong and tender,

  Grace untender

    Fanning desire;

Suppliant conquest, proud surrender,

  Courtesy cold of hearts on fire---

Willowy billowy now they're bending,

  Low they're bending

    Down-dropt eyes;

Stately measure and stately ending,

  Music sobbing, and a dream that dies.