Yes, "Knickers" are the proper dress
Wherewith a Cycle's seat to press;
Convenient, and--should you be thrown--
Making less re-ve-la-ti-on;
There's less of danger, aye, and dirt.
Attending the divided skirt.
I will not say I wholly _like_
To see my JULIA on a "bike":
I will not say that I should _choose_
To see CORINNA don the trews;
But yet, if either beauty feel
That she is _bound_ to cycle-wheel,
(Like to a she-Ixion) then,
Since ladies aim to ride like men,
'Tis clear that all experience teaches
That it is best to wear knee-breeches,
And drop the prejudice that doth dote
On the tempestuous petticoat.
A skirt that catcheth here and there,
And leaves a stretch of stocking bare,
Raiments that ruck, and cause thereby
The wheels to move confusedly;--
All these be awkward follies, sure,
Compared with dual garmenture.
Knickers and leggings, by-and-by,
With their unfeigned simplicity,
Will more bewitch us--on a "bike"--
Than flowing skirts we now do like!
* * * * *
[Illustration: MAKING THINGS SMOOTH.
_Keeper (to Sportsmen, who have just fired all four barrels without
touching a feather)._ "DEARY ME! UNCOMMON STRONG ON THE WING BIRDS IS,
GENTLEMEN! 'STONISHING AMOUNT O' SHOT THEY CARRIES AWAY WITH 'EM TO BE
SURE!"]
* * * * *