Beneath the summer full-orbed moon,
Ruddy & gold that rose full soon,
Like rose & lily fused in fire,
Ere the sunset’s torch expire.
Then forth each knightly lily led
A blushing rosy dame so red;
Nor lily hands or hearts denied
The rose-hued warriors erst defied.
Light-footed through the dance’s maze,
Quick they moved like wingéd fays;
As measured music soft did swell,
And echoed deep from bosky dell,
Till, from the leafy forest side,
The sweet-tongued nightingale replied,
Dissolved in streams of silver sound,
Merged in the moonlight, lost & found;
Like the dancers, till in shade,
Of Summer’s verdant night they fade.