Poetical Works of Oliver Wendell Holmes, the — Volume 02: Additional Poems (1837-1848) by Oliver Wendell Holmes
page 69 of 85 (81%)
page 69 of 85 (81%)
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A kind of cross between a boot and glove.
Compact, but easy, strong, substantial, square, Let native art compile the medium pair. The third remains, and let your tasteful skill Here show some relics of affection still; Let no stiff cowhide, reeking from the tan, No rough caoutchoue, no deformed brogan, Disgrace the tapering outline of your feet, Though yellow torrents gurgle through the street. Wear seemly gloves; not black, nor yet too light, And least of all the pair that once was white; Let the dead party where you told your loves Bury in peace its dead bouquets and gloves; Shave like the goat, if so your fancy bids, But be a parent,--don't neglect your kids. Have a good hat; the secret of your looks Lives with the beaver in Canadian brooks; Virtue may flourish in an old cravat, But man and nature scorn the shocking hat. Does beauty slight you from her gay abodes? Like bright Apollo, you must take to Rhoades,-- Mount the new castor,--ice itself will melt; Boots, gloves, may fail; the hat is always felt. Be shy of breastpins; plain, well-ironed white, With small pearl buttons,--two of them in sight,-- Is always genuine, while your gems may pass, Though real diamonds, for ignoble glass. |
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