LA DERNIERE ROBE DE SOI.

OH, silken gown, all pink and pretty,

Bought, quite a bargain, in the City,

Your ill-trained soul full false has played me —

No Paris gown would have betrayed me.

You knew, my pretty silken treasure,

I must not wed for love or pleasure,

But for a settlement and title;

Yet you encouraged his recital!

He said — oh, faithless gown, you listened

While on your sheen two tear drops glistened —

He said... let love to music set it,

I'll never speak it — nor forget it!

“No, no!” I cried, I tried to save you —

False gown, you showed the tears I gave you!

You looked discreet when first I found you.

How could you let his arm go round you?

You darling dress — I'll smooth your creases,

I'll wear you till you drop to pieces;

But poor men's wives wear cotton only —

Dear gown — I hope you wo n't feel lonely!