Whatever may chance in the coming season
Regarding the fashions in women's wear,
I should like to remark that I see no reason
For treating the thing like a German scare;
Rather let us, the oppressed, restricted,
Assert ourselves as the women do;
It's _their_ turn, dash it! to feel afflicted
By seeing _us_ flaunting a craze or two.
It's more than time their monopoly ceases;
Excepting the vote, I dare assert
We deny them none of their wild caprices,
Though I own we jibbed at the harem skirt;
We were wrong; we ought to have let them wear it;
Free will in dress is a sacred right;
But we should be equally keen to declare it
With them who make it their chief delight.
We must come to terms with our female betters,
Seeing that summer will soon be nigh;
If _they_ would be rid of the skirt that fetters,
They might free _us_ from the collar and tie;
It's neck or nothing! I ask you whether
_We_ can't be conspicuous now and then;
I think there challenges go together:--
_Trousers for women!--Low necks for men!_
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