"_Vanitas vanitatum_" has rung in the ears
Of gentle and simple for thousands of years;
The wail is still heard, yet its notes never scare
Or simple or gentle from Vanity Fair.
I hear people busy abusing it--yet
There the young go to learn and the old to forget;
The mirth may be feigning, the sheen may be glare,
But the gingerbread's gilded in Vanity Fair.
Old Dives there rolls in his chariot, but mind
_Atra Cura_ is up with the lacqueys behind;
Joan trudges with Jack,--is his sweetheart aware
What troubles await them in Vanity Fair?
We saw them all go, and we something may learn
Of the harvest they reap when we see them return;
The tree was enticing,--its branches are bare,--
Heigh-ho, for the promise of Vanity Fair!
That stupid old Dives! forsooth, he must barter
His time-honoured name for a wonderful garter;
And Joan's pretty face has been clouded with care
Since Jack bought _her_ ribbons at Vanity Fair.
Contemptible Dives! too credulous Joan!
Yet we all have a Vanity Fair of our own;--
My son, you have yours, but you need not despair,
Myself I've a weakness for Vanity Fair.
Philosophy halts, wisest counsels are vain,--
We go--we repent--we return there again;
To-night you will certainly meet with us there--
Exceedingly merry in Vanity Fair.