Classic Poem

Not young, I think.
ARMANDE

And faded, too: —
Quite faded! Monsieur, what say you?

M. LOYAL

Nay, I defer to you. In truth,
To me she seems all grace and youth.

HORTENSE

Graceful? You think it? What, with hands
That hang like this.

ARMANDE

And how she stands!

M. LOYAL

Nay, I am wrong again. I thought
Her air delightfully untaught!

HORTENSE

But you amuse me —

M. LOYAL

Still her dress, —
Her dress at least, you must confess —

ARMANDE

Is odious simply! Jacotot
Did not supply that lace, I know;
And where, I ask, has mortal seen
A hat unfeathered!

HORTENSE

Edged with green!

M. LOYAL

The words remind me. Let me say
A Fable that I heard to-day.
Have I permission?

BOTH

Monsieur, pray.

M. L OYAL

Myrtilla (lest a Scandal rise,
The Lady's Name I thus disguise),
Dying of Ennui, once decided, —
Much on Resource herself she prided, —
To choose a Hat. Forthwith she flies
On that momentous Enterprise.
Whether to Petit or Legros,
I know not: only this I know; —
Head-dresses then, of any Fashion,
Bore Names of Quality or Passion.
Myrtilla tried them, almost all;
" Prudence, " she felt, was somewhat small;
" Retirement " seemed the Eyes to hide;
" Content, " at once, she cast aside.
" Simplicity, " — 'twas out of place;
" Devotion, " — for an older face:
Briefly, Selection smaller grew,
" Vexatious! odious! " — none would do!
Then, on a sudden, she espied
One that she thought she had not tried;
Becoming, rather, — " edged with green, " —
Roses in yellow, Thorns between.
" Quick! Bring me that! " 'Tis brought. " Complete,
Divine, Enchanting, Tasteful, Neat, "
In all the Tones. " And this you call — ? "
" " I LL-NATURE ," Madame. It fits all. "

HORTENSE

A thousand thanks! So naively turned!

ARMANDE

So useful too, — to those concerned!
'Tis yours?

M. LOYAL

Ah no, — some cynic wit's;
And called (I think) —
" The Cap that Fits. "