Dance with me my silent bride
Through the ballroom we will glide
Wide-eyed lovers side by side
With faces made of clay.

Your hands are cold as stone this night
Your cheeks a pallid angel-white
Has fright detracted from your light
And turned your fair skin gray?

The sweet harps all around us ring
Can you hear the songs they sing?
For you are queen and I am king
In this world’s dark play.

Past the great halls we will spin
Let our waltz anew begin
For moths have settled on your skin
(But can they sense decay?)

Turn your dainty face, my dear
Away from sorrow and from fear
Our night will chase the light from here
And keep the sun’s harsh face away.

You live, my love, with life you glow!
While the music keeps its flow
And step by step around we go
How your patched skirts sway!

You look on me with tattered eyes
But I have spared you your demise!
Spurned the earth and helped you rise
On that flame-filled day.

My frightened one, do not despair
(I’ll heal your hurt and mend your tear
Your flesh I’ll thread and save your hair)
If you vow to stay.

So dance with me my beauteous bride
My heart, my torment and my pride
Let me be your groom and guide
On our pathless way.