After The Ball - song lyrics 
American Old-time song lyrics from www.traditionalmusic.co.uk 
AFTER THE BALL. Copyright, 1892, by Chas. K. Harris & Co. 
A little maiden climbed an old man's knee, Begged for a story- "Do, Uncle, please." Why are you single; why live alone? Have you no babies; have you no home? "I had a sweetheart, years, years ago; Where she is now, pet, you will soon know. List to the story, I'll tell it all: I believed her faithless after the ball. 
Chorus. After the ball is over, after the break of morn-After the dancers leaving; after the stars are gone; Many a heart is aching, if you could read them all; Many the hopes that have vanished after the ball. 
Bright lights were flashing in the grand ball-room, Softly the music, playing sweet tunes. There came my sweetheart, my love, my own"I wish some water; leave me alone." When I returned, dear, there stood a man, Kissing my sweetheart as lovers can. Down fell the glass, pet, broken, that's all. Just us my heart was after the ball.- Cho. 
Long years have passed, child; I've never wed; True to my lost love, though she is dead. She tried to tell me, tried to explain; I would not listen, pleadings were vain; One day a letter came from that man-He was her brother-the letter ranThat's why I'm lonely, no home at all; I broke her heart, pet, after the ball.-Chorus.