The moon to-night is like the sun
Through blossomed branches seen;
Come out with me, dear silent one,
And trip it on the green.
“Nay, Lad, go you within its light,
Nor stay to urge me so —
‘ Twas on another moonlit night
My heart broke long ago.”
Oh loud and high the pipers play
To speed the dancers on;
Come out and be as glad as they,
Oh, little Silent one.
“Nay, Lad, where all your mates are met
Go you the selfsame way,
Another dance I would forget
Wherein I too was gay.”
But here you sit long day by day
With those whose joys are done;
What mates these townfolk old and grey
For you dear Silent one.
“Nay, Lad, they're done with joys and fears.
Rare comrades should we prove,
For they are very old with years
And I am old with love.”