GOING INTO BREECHES.
Reading edition
Joy to Philip! he this day Has his long coats cast away, And (the childish season gone) Put the manly breeches on. Sashes, frocks, to those that need ’em, Philip’s limbs have got their freedom— He can run, or he can ride, And do twenty things beside. Which his petticoats forbade; Is he not a happy lad? Baste-the-bear he now may play at; Leap-frog, foot-ball sport away at; Show his skill and strength at cricket, Mark his distance, pitch his wicket; Run about in winter’s snow Till his cheeks and fingers glow; Climb a tree or scale a wall, Without any fear to fall. This and more must now be done, Now the breeches are put on.
—Charles and Mary Lamb.
