SONG OF THE DANCE
(This is sung to a tune almost identical with “The Little Brown Jug”)
The rain is falling, falling fast,
So swift it rushes down apace,
“Shush-shush,” it sounds in channel’s race.
· · · · ·
“Who’s going to take me home to-night?”
The Cossack who’s been drinking deep
Sees at the dance a lady smile.
“O fair one, stay a little while
And I will see you home to-night.”
“I beg you not to take me home
Because my husband is a bear!
He’d beat me when I entered there,
If you should see me home to-night.”
The music makes a noise like rain.
The fiddlers play, the drum booms on—
The Cossack waits—she has not gone—
All know he’ll take her home to-night!