In the graveyard, in the velvet night
The winter moon gives a sparkling light
And the dead rehearse the coming resurrection.
Rising out of shadows where
The icy ground is hallowed, there
Wraiths emerge from earth and ivy-covered stone.

No dance of death, for they still sleep,
The dreamers dream they keep in step;
In silent music only they can hear.
Ancient spectres hand in hand with
Spirits still in swaddling bands
Dancing the pavane of all the years.

The veil is raised and ghostly crowds,
Leaving off their linen shrouds,
Sinners, saints, comedians and knaves
Serpentine around the tombs,
Gliding, rising in the gloom,
Graceful spirits dancing round the graves.

And faster, as the silent beat
Quickens, and the ghostly feet
Tread the rhythm higher in the air.
And you, who think this curious
You are sleeping just like us,
Welcome to the Resurrection Fair.