V.
Oh, the mirth and revelry that night!
See the ballroom decked so rich and bright!
Watch the merry throng in fine array!
Hear the thrumming music, loud and gay!
Such a scene of lively, festal cheer:
Noble knights pay court to damsels fair,
Courtiers gossip, looking arch and wry,
Dancers caper, lovers softly sigh,
Matrons keep close watch on daughters slender,
Bashful youths and blushing sylphs look tender,
Dusky ladies do their lords beguile,
Jesting rogues make all the comp'ny smile –
Truly, 'tis a most delightful thing
To behold this joyful gathering.
At the very centre of the crowd
Stands Prince Faravel, handsome and proud,
Regally attired in cloak and crest,
Kindly greeting every honoured guest.
Pretty girls, demure and coy, stand near
Through great feathered fans at him they peer.
Lovely damsels, in fine silks and sashes
Watch the gallant prince through lowered lashes.
And within each maiden's veiled glance:
Will the prince mayhap ask me to dance?
Nay – it seems of all the maids he's met
None has caught the prince's eye, as yet…
Hark! What sound? A trumpeting fan-fare! –
At the door, a figure doth appear –
Like some vision, like some lovely dream,
Like some fairy fancy does it seem!
Ah! A gasp goes round the company:
"Who is she?" They whisper – "who is she?"