Through dusky myrtle-groves are lovers roaming,

The dance begins in halls all bright and glowing.

Be watchful, though! Here treachery is hiding.

Wild passion naught for truth or ruth is caring:

As hawks do doves, mild innocence 'tis tearing,

And human vengeance lightly is deriding.

But now, once more alive, the slain appear!

They speak, with awful voice, the words of doom:

Death his cold hand is silently extending.

Now sinks the daring mood in ghastly fear.