The Invitation

Mr E. Elliott

1

Come, my love, the twilight star
 Glistens o’er yon chestnut grove,
And our swains, from toil at rest,
 Fly to join the maids they love:
Then, Zorayda, haste away,
Without thee no scene is gay!

2

Hark, my love, what blithesome sounds
 Float so sweetly on the air — 
From the village green they come,
 Where our nymphs and swains repair:
But, Zorayda, without thee
Dull are gayest strains to me!

3

See, my love, they take their stand
 For the gay bolero’s dance,
Now they move with graceful bend,
 Or with agile step advance:
But, Zorayda, who like thee
Glides in airy motion free?

4

Fleeting as the sunny gleam
 Scudding o’er you mountain’s sides,
When the passing clouds fly fast,
 Are the hours that pleasure guides:
Then, Zorayda, haste away!
Pleasure flies while you delay