["The shape of the hat is another token in which individuality
asserts itself, and the angle at which it is worn. There are
men who vary this angle with their different moods."--_Article
on "Men's Dress," Daily News, Sept. 10._]
You ask why I gaze with devotion
At ALGERNON's features, my love?
Nay, you are astray in your notion,
My glance is directed above;
His hair may be yellow or ruddy,
No longer I'm anxious for that,
But now I incessantly study
The tilt of his hat.
At times it will carelessly dangle
With an air of æsthetic repose,
At others will point to an angle
Inclined to the tip of his nose;
When it rests on the side of his head, he
Will smile at whatever befalls,
When pushed o'er his brow, we make ready
For numerous squalls!
When he starts for his train to the City
It is put on exactly upright,
And who would not view it with pity
Return, mud-bespattered, at night?
When early, so polished and glowing,
Jammed on at haphazard when late;
It forms a barometer, showing
His mood up to date.
And you, who are young and unmarried,
Give heed to my counsel, I pray;
Do not, I entreat you, be carried
By wealth or affection away;
The heroine, novelists mention,
"Eyes fondly his features." Instead,
Observe, for _your_ part, with attention,
The hat on his head!
* * * * *
A NEW COLLECTION OF _HIMS_, ANCIENT AND MODERN.--The Church Congress
at Folkestone.
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