As sung in the operetta “Mlle. Modiste”, 1905.
words by Henry Blossom
music by Victor Herbert
The final part of this song (the valse lente) became a stand-alone song, Kiss Me Again.
The sheet music:
Accompaniment by James Pitt-Payne:
Lyrics
If I were asked to play the part
Of simple maiden light of heart
A village lass in country clothes
As to and from her work she goes
I’d sing a merry lilting strain
And gaily dance to this refrain
Tempo di Gavotte Moderne
Tra, la, la, la, la, la, la
Tra, la la, Tra, la la, etc. …
If they should offer me some day
A prima donna role to play
A stately queen with powdered hair
Her costly gowns and jewels rare
I would not act the part amiss
I’d sing a polonaise like this
Tempo de Polonaise
Ah, you will all agree that happy I should be
Ah! I’m queen of all the land
Ah! Ah! Ah! with lords and ladies great
To kneel and kiss my hand
A king upon the throne
To woo me for his own
Ah! the fairest ever seen
Ah! Ah! Ah! Ah! who would not be queen
But best of all the parts I’d play
If I could only have my way
Would be a strong romantic role
Emotional and full of soul
And I believe for such a thing
A dreamy sensous waltz I’d sing
Valse lente
Sweet summer breeze, whispering trees
Stars shining softly above
Roses in bloom, wafted perfume
Sleepy birds dreaming of love
Safe in your arms, far from alarms
Daylight shall come but in vain
Tenderly pressed close to your breast
Kiss me! Kiss me again
Kiss me again, Kiss me, kiss me again
Sung here by Fred Feild: