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.