Carnival

Venice robes her for the ball; Decked with spangles bright, Multi-coloured Carnival Teems with laughter light.

Harlequin with negro mask, Tights of serpent hue, Beateth with a note fantasque His Cassander true.

Flapping loose his long, white sleeve, Like a penguin spread, Through a subtle semibreve Pierrot thrusts his head.

Sleek Bologna's doctor goes Maundering on a bass. Punchinello finds for nose Quaver on his face.

Hurtling Trivellino fine, On a trill intent, Scaramouch to Columbine Gives the fan she lent.

Gliding to the tune, I mark One veiled figure rise, While through satin lashes dark Luring gleam her eyes.

Tender little edge of lace, Heaving with her breath! "Under is her own dear face!" An arpeggio saith.

And beneath the mask I know Bloom of rosy lips, And the patch on chin of snow, As she by me trips!