I Took Your Hand (Fellini's Waltz)

It was barely twilight when the string quartet began to play. At the stroke of twelve, the dancers failed to pull their masks away. Then I found you weren't the same as anyone, And the very room began to shine. I was trembling badly, but I took your hand in mine.
Though in all my life I never once believed in second sight, Something odd indeed, but just as real, came over me that night. All at once my mind was filled with photographs Of a thousand moments yet to be. I was on the ocean, I was drifting toward the land. I loved you when I took your hand.
I felt you near me as the years flew by. I hoped you understood
They could not ever dim your beauty. Of course, it would have been insanity To say that to a stranger, As you were to me, No more than a stranger.
I could dimly see the shadows crossing hands and circling 'round, Only faintly hear the music, as it languidly unwound, But I clearly saw the heart and soul of you, And I heard each halting word you said. As we touched, no more than it's polite to do, And your warmth went rushing to my head.
Then you asked if I would like to dance, And I said no, Said no. I wanted so to dance, But I could hardly stand When I took your hand.