_Muffs worn by Gentlemen_ (Vol. vi., _passim_; Vol. vii., p. 320.).--The
writer of a series of papers in the _New Monthly Magazine_, entitled
"Parr in his later Years," thus (vol. xvi. p. 482.) describes the
appearance of that learned Theban:
"He had on his dressing-gown, which I think was flannel, or
cotton, and the skirts dangled round his ankles. Over this he
had drawn his great-coat, buttoned close; and his hands, for he
had been attacked with erysipelas not long before, were kept
warm in a _silk muff_, not much larger than the poll of a common
hat."
In an anonymous poetical pamphlet (_Thoughts in Verse concerning
Feasting and Dancing_, 12mo. London, 1800), is a little poem, entitled
"The Muff," in the course of which the following lines occur:
"A time there was (that time is now no more,
At least in England 'tis not now observ'd!)
When muffs were worn by _beaux_ as well as belles.
Scarce has a century of time elaps'd,
Since such an article was much in vogue;
Which, when it was not on the arm sustain'd,
Hung, pendant by a silken ribbon loop
From button of the coat of well-dress'd beau.
'Tis well for manhood that the use has ceased!
For what to _woman_ might be well allow'd,
As suited to the softness of her sex,
Would seem effeminate and wrong in _man_."