A Waltz Quadrille.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume X, Issue 2026, 15 September 1883, Page 2 (Supplement)

A Waltz Quadrille.

The band was playing a waltz quadrille. I felt as light as a wind-blown feather, As we floated away at the caller's will Through the intricate mazy dance together. Like a mimic army our lines were meeting, Slowly advancing, and then retreating, All decked in their bright array ; And back and forth to the music'a rhyme We moved together, and all the time I knew you were going away. The fold of your strong arm sent a»thrill From heart to brain as we gently glided Like leaves on the waves of that waltz quadrille ; Parted, met, and again divided, You drifting one way and I another, Then suddenly turning and facing each other ; Then oS in the blithe chasse, Then airily back to our places swaying, While every beat of the music seemed Baying That you were going away. I said to my heart, " Let us take our fill Of mirth and pleasure, and love and laughter, For it all must end with this waltz quadrille, And life will be never the same life after, O 1 that the caller might go on calling — 0 ! that the music might go on falling Like a shower of silver spray — . While we whirled on to the vast forever, Where no hearts break and no ties sever, And no one goes away." A clamor, a crash, and the band was still, 'Twa3 the end of the dream and the end of the measure ; The last low notes of that waltz quadrille Seemed like a dirge o'er the death of pleasure. You said good-night, and the spell was byer — Too warm for a friend and too cold for a loverThere was nothing more to say ; But the lights looked dim, and the dancers weary, And the music was sad, and the hall was drea/y After you went away. Argonaut.