Note 37 — Chapter XIV

I do remember me in Hertford streets Walking at noon, I met an exquisite, A thing, whose neck in Oriental tie, Where not a crease is seen, so stiff withal The powers of starch had rendered it, tho' made Of finest muslin, that to my wondering gaze, (Unlike the ease of Nature's masterpiece), It seem'd as 'twere a mere automaton; And then its shape, so all unlike a man, So tightly laced that 'twas self-evident He walk'd in pain, if walking 't could be call'd, Since from the earth to raise his languid foot, It seem'd a labour too Herculean; But, still, thus mincingly, he reached the Bell— There stopped. I, being anxious to o'erhear The sounds this creature, nicknam'd man, would utter, Entered the room apologizing to it; No answer I receiv'd, save a low murmur, For too fatiguing 'twas to articulate. Finding it useless farther to intrude, I asked the waiter who and whence he was? 'One of our College[37] Dandies,' he replied. No longer wondering, straight I left the Inn."