From the musical “Katinka”, 1916
Words by Otto Harbach
Music by Rudolf Friml
The sheet music:
Accompaniment by Denese Coulbeck:
Lyrics
There, ‘neath the shades of rose-panoplied walls
Where moon-eyed maids woo day-dreams’ tender thralls
There I, too, learned to play in Allah’s holiday
Ah, might it but last alway
Refrain
Sound of silver cymbal, tambourine and timbal
Struck by fingers nimble, to some sweet lay
Pretty tunes are tinkling, tiny feet are twinkling
Breath of rose-heart sprinkling ‘neath cool fountains’ spray
Lovely forms are swaying, raven tresses straying
Everyone obeying young god of May
Flower petals gleaming, garlands gaily streaming
‘Tis but happy dreaming, Allah’s holiday
Ah, could it but last, could it last alway