What fine tunes can be played on an old violin
When her strings are deranged by a strong slender bow
That can draw from her heart the original sin
Of a swift gypsy dance, as she sways to and fro

And the chattering shake of the shrill tambourine
Underlines with its thrill the wild notes of desire
That are drawn from her depths, as we hear her songs keen
To the castanets' clicking that sets men on fire.

Oh, the chords she lets fall in her fervid disgrace
May awaken faint echoes in ancients who sin
In their dreams, whilst in turn, younger beaux take their place
To derange the wild strings of an old violin.