Ah, my arms hold you fast! How can they be so bold

When my hands offer nothing of silver or gold?

Can it be that I see a new light in your eye?

Can it be that I heard then a womanly sigh?

Ah, I feel such delight, and such joy, such surprise,

That I hardly dare lift my own sight to your eyes

Ah, my arms hold you fast, and my lips touch your cheek,

And I'm crying, "Love, answer me; speak to me—speak!"

And the answer you give to my longing distress

Is that word, with a blush and a kiss, that word "Yes."

Ah, my arms hold you fast, and I burn with a fire

That nothing but long-waiting love can inspire.

Yet I know you mean nothing—mean nothing, because

It's mere acting. Ah me, I can hear the applause.