What wonders-were there to be found
That a clown might enjoy or disdain?
First we trac'd the gay ring all around,
Aye--and then we went round it again.
[Footnote 1: A grand Fete, in honour of the peace of 1802.]
A thousand feet rustled on mats,
A carpet that once had been green;
Men bow'd with their outlandish hats,
With corners so fearfully keen!
Fair maids, who at home in their haste
Had left all clothing else but a train,
Swept the floor clean, as slowly they pac'd,
And then--walk'd round and swept it again.
The music was truly enchanting!
Right glad was I when I came near it;
But in fashion I found I was wanting:--
'Twas the fashion to walk and not hear it!
A fine youth, as beauty beset him,
Look'd smilingly round on the train;
"The king's nephew," they cried, as they met him;
Then--we went round and met him again.
Huge paintings of Heroes and Peace
Seem'd to smile at the sound of the fiddle,
Proud to fill up each tall shining space
Round the lanthorn[1] that stood in the middle.
Pages:
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57