Once upon a time, Many years ago, Lived a fair princess, Hating to confess Loneliness was torturing her so. Then a gipsy came, Called to her by name, Woo'd her with a song Sensuous and strong, All the summer long; Her passion seemed to tremble like a living flame. Play to me beneath the Summer moon, Zigeuner!—Zigeuner!—Zigeuner! All I ask of life is just to listen To the songs that you sing, My spirit like a bird on the wing, Your melodies adoring—soaring! Call to me with some barbaric tune, Zigeuner!—Zigeuner!—Zigeuner! Now you have me in your power, Play to me for just an hour Zigeuner! Bid my weeping cease, Melody that brings Merciful release, Promises of peace Through the gentle throbbing of the strings. Music of the plain, Music of the wild, Come to me again, Here me not in vain, Soothe a heart in pain And let me to my happiness be reconciled.