HERRICK ON RATIONAL DRESS.

Yes, "Knickers" are the proper dress Wherewith a Cycle's seat to press; Convenient, and—should you be thrown— Making less re-ve-la-ti-on; There's less of danger, aye, and dirt. Attending the divided skirt. I will not say I wholly like To see my Julia on a "bike": I will not say that I should choose To see Corinna don the trews; But yet, if either beauty feel That she is bound to cycle-wheel, (Like to a she-Ixion) then, Since ladies aim to ride like men, 'Tis clear that all experience teaches That it is best to wear knee-breeches, And drop the prejudice that doth dote On the tempestuous petticoat. A skirt that catcheth here and there, And leaves a stretch of stocking bare, Raiments that ruck, and cause thereby The wheels to move confusedly;— All these be awkward follies, sure, Compared with dual garmenture. Knickers and leggings, by-and-by, With their unfeigned simplicity, Will more bewitch us—on a "bike"— Than flowing skirts we now do like!