Hand me my light gloves, James;
I'm off for the waltzing world,
The kingdom of Strauss and that —
Where is my old crush-hat?
Is my hair properly curled?
Call in the daytime, James.
Think of me, wo n't you, James,
When I am rosily twirling
The “Rose of a garden of girls,”
The Pearl among circling pearls,
In a mesh of melodious whirling?
Envy me, wo n't you, James?
For a heart lost along with her fan,
For a nice sense of honor flown,
For the care of an invalid soul,
And tastes far beyond my control,—
I have for my precious own
The fame of a “waltzing man.”
If I do n't come, come for me, James.
Ah, the waltz is my mastering passion!
The trip-tripping airs are as sweet
As love to my turning feet,
While I clasp the fair doll of fashion,
My fiancée. But come for me, James.
The heart which I lost — it is strange —
I've been told it will yet be my death;
And I think it quite likely I might
Waltz once too often to-night,
In spite of the music and Beth.
Death's a difficult move to arrange.
Pray smoke by the fire, old boy,
And find yourself whiskey and books.
If I should not turn up, then, at two
Or three, you will know I need you.
If I'm dead, you must pardon my looks
As I lie in the ball-room, old boy.