GAYLY SOUNDS THE CASTANET.

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.