Classic Poem

(Who wishes she had lived—

‘In teacup-times of hood and hoop,
Or while the patch was worn.’)

‘I N teacup-times!’ The style of dress
Would suit your beauty, I confess;
 B ELINDA -like, the patch you'd wear;
 I picture you with powdered hair,—
You'd make a charming Shepherdess!

And I—no doubt—could well express
Sir P LUME'S complete conceitedness,—
 Could poise a clouded cane with care
‘In teacup-times!’
The parts would fit precisely—yes:
We should achieve a huge success!
 You should disdain, and I despair,
 With quite the true Augustan air;
But … could I love you more, or less,—
‘In teacup-times’?