The dawn light is only a broken beginning
And down in the courtyard the tollbell keeps ringing 
While she lies there sleeping, the secret is creeping 
And I should be stealing away 

Now the cool morning's cut me and I'm trying not to feel it
But if she were to wake don't think I could conceal it
For the minutes are hanging, the autumn light's passing 
And I should be stealing away

Oh, sweet illusion 
You've fooled beggars and kings 
I've danced in your moonlight, sung to your song
But I can't keep a hold of your wings

Our empire has fallen, our dream has retreated
The lines we held on to are all but defeated
The last post's abandoned where love was once standing
And I should be stealing away 

Oh, sweet illusion 
You've fooled beggars and kings
I've danced in your moonlight, sung to your song
But I can't keep a hold of your wings 

I don't wanna wait for the moment you rise 
Just to show you that far away look in my eyes
I'll tell you no lie, I won't kiss you goodbye
I'll just be stealing away