Volume 146 — THE NEXT OF THE DANDIES.

I've jibed at Dame Fashion for many a year, Jibed bitterly rather than gaily; And over the follies of feminine wear I indulged in a diatribe daily; But now I must sing in a different strain And praise with a penitent vigour The kindness by which she was moved to ordain Untidiness strictly de rigueur. Though man from her fetters is commonly loose (For he has the pluck to withstand her), I take it that what is correct for the goose Will not be amiss for the gander; And I have a suit that for comfort and ease I'd always elect to be dressed in; The trousers have dear little bags where my knees Have made them a corner to nest in. The sleeves of the coat are all frayed at the end, The seams of the waistcoat have "started," But I have a weakness for elderly friends, And now we need never be parted; No more when I wear it shall people esteem The bardlet in need of compassion; They'll merely consider him rather extreme In his fervent devotion to Fashion.