_A Poem of Common Sense._
Dear Sir, I've read through your delectable lines--
Though the cap doesn't fit, I will wear it;
And hope (though I don't know your private designs)
You regret that such verses were e'er writ!
There's flirting _and_ flirting, you don't seem to know,
Nor need a young woman be heartless,
Who thinks that, by having _five_ strings to her bow,
The four she rejects will thus smart less.
Pray how can I help, if my features attract
And my sympathy wins each fond lover?
Alas, when they're conquered, I own 'tis the fact
That their weak points I sadly discover!
It may be, in spite of your captious alarm,
I shall yet enjoy bliss hymeneal;
If _this_ is my aim, not to jilt, where's the harm
In my search for a husband ideal?
[1] See page 141
* * * * *
"ALAS POOR YORICK!"
In "DICK GRAIN" all have lost a "fellow of infinite jest" and a friendly
critic who scourged our pleasant vices with such genial criticism that
everyone, hearing him, charitably applied the moral to his, or her,
neighbour. With Mrs. GERMAN REED, the Miss PRISCILLA HORTON of the
stage, and her son "TAFF REED," the old Gallery of Illustration Company
comes to an end. CORNEY GRAIN successfully succeeded JOHN PARRY.
"C. G." _Ci gît._
* * * * *