—words which interpret the air and accent the steps with an absolute perfection, which a translation cannot render, although it may give an idea of the vivacity and entrain.
You, who lead the round,
Lead it roundily.
Her petticoat in motion, in motion,
Her petticoat in motion to the wind.
Tread, tread, come tread the grass,
The trodden grass will spring again
Brunette, come, gay, gay, gay,
Brunette, come, gay, gaily.
All these, like the ancient choruses with which the Greek maidens accompanied their dances of "woven paces and waving hands," with or without the note of a primitive reed to accent the melody, are reproduced in the grosser spirit of the laboring peasant, but equally instinctive with life and gayety, and the natural expression of youthful existence in the open air and under balmy skies.