Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). An American Anthology, 1787–1900. 1900.
By Ednah Proctor (Clarke)Hayes1681 The Dancer
S
That stabs the dusky shadows of her hair;
Great startled eyes, and sudden-pulsing blood
Staining her cheek and throat and shoulder bare.
Lita Pepita!
List the cachucha!
Dance! dance!)
Draws her mantilla’s folds in sky disguise,
Till in the music’s subtle, quickening charm
Her trancëd soul forgets the alien eyes.
And all the conquering memories of Spain
Fling wide her veil; the vintage of the South
Leaps in her heart, and laughs through every vein!
Star of Cordova!
Passion and innocence!
Dance! dance!)
Yon painted scene? It is Cordova’s walls!
The eager trumpets ring to revelry—
The banderillero cries—the toro falls!
Her castanets click out in conscious pride;
Curved throat, arched foot, and lissome-swaying hips,
The music sweeps her in its swirling tide.
A fountain tossing in its moody play,
Tempest of sunshine, cloud, and dew, and fire,
Dancing in joyance to the jocund day!
Till the moon swoons in mist!
Till the stars dim and die!
Dance! dance!)
Now distant viols grieve down the drowsy night,—
Her fluttering feet are poised, then drift again,
Luring in languor, dreamy with delight.
Witch of the wingëd feet!
Lead on to dream or death!
Dance! dance!)
Falling, as water falleth, to her knees,
She spreads the drifted foam-wreath of her arms;
The music dies in whispered ecstacies.