Page:The Works of Lord Byron (ed. Coleridge, Prothero) - Volume 1.djvu/535

Rh The budding sprouts of those that you shall wear,

With added ornaments around them rolled

Of native brass, or law-awarded gold;

To You, ye Matrons, ever on the watch

To mar a son's, or make a daughter's match;

To You, ye children of—whom chance accords—

Always the Ladies, and sometimes their Lords;

To You, ye single gentlemen, who seek

Torments for life, or pleasures for a week;

As Love or Hymen your endeavours guide,

To gain your own, or snatch another's bride;—

To one and all the lovely Stranger came,

And every Ball-room echoes with her name.

Endearing Waltz!—to thy more melting tune

Bow Irish Jig, and ancient Rigadoon.

Scotch reels, avaunt! and Country-dance forego

Your future claims to each fantastic toe!

Waltz—Waltz alone—both legs and arms demands,

Liberal of feet, and lavish of her hands;

Hands which may freely range in public sight

Where ne'er before—but—pray "put out the light."

Methinks the glare of yonder chandelier

Shines much too far—or I am much too near;

And true, though strange—Waltz whispers this remark,

"My slippery steps are safest in the dark!"