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As I walked home on a Summer night. When stars in Heav'n were shining bright, Far away from the foot-lights glare, Into the sweet and scented air—Of a quaint old Cornish town.

Borne from afar on the gentle breeze, Joining the murmur of summer seas, Distant tones of an old world dance Played by the village band perchance—On the calm air came floating down.

I thought I could hear the curious tone of the cornet, clarinet and big trom-bone, Fiddle, 'cello, big bass drum Bassoon, flute and euphonium—Far away, as in a trance; I heard the sound of the Floral dance.

And soon I heard such a bustling and prancing, And then I saw the whole village was dancing,— In and out of the houses they came, Old folk, young folk, all the same,—In that quaint old Cornish town.

Ev'ry boy took a girl round the waist, And hurried her off in tremendous haste Whether they knew one another I care not, Whether they cared at all, I know not—But they kissed as they danced along.

And there was the band with that curious tone, Of the cornet, clarinet and big trom-bone Fiddle, 'cello, big bass drum Bassoon, flute and euphonium, Each one making the most of his chance—All together in the Floral dance.

I felt so lonely standing there, and I could only stand and stare, For I had no maid with me, Lonely I should have to be In that quaint old Cornish town.

When suddenly hast'ning down the lane, A figure I knew, I saw quite plain With out-stretched hands I rushed along, And carried her into that merry throng, And fiddle and all went dancing down.