Said Aurora to Aeolus, as they sat o'er their bohea,
Surrounded by Zephyruses--exactly three times three--
"Olus, dear, a new piano is the thing of things we want."
I regret to say Aeolus raised his eyes and said "We dont!"
So unlike his mournful manner, when his sweet sad harp he plays;
And he heav'd a sigh regretful as he thought of other days--
As he thought of early moments, ere Aurora's heart was won--
Ere beefsteak was fifteen pence a-pound, and coals five crowns a-ton;
Ere nine little West-winds murmured round his table every meal,
And the tones of a piano nought but sweetness could reveal,
As his own Aurora played it in the home of her mamma,
Ere his own Aurora, blushing, had referred him to papa.
All these feelings moved Aeolus, but to climax in "We dont!"
As he heard "A new piano is the thing of things we want."
It was settled--who could help it? For Aurora, like the rest
Of winning little women, knew that kisses pleased the best;
It was settled--who could help it? So, the local paper brought,
The quick eye of Aurora these glad words of comfort caught (_b_)
"Dear Aeolus," said Aurora, "this is quite the thing for me;"
"All is just as it all should be--it's a _lady's_ property:
"P'rhaps her husband 's short of money;
p'rhaps the rent they want to pay;
"P'rhaps--" but cutting short my story, the piano came next day.
Yes--the walnut case _was_ "beautiful" for beeswax made it so;
And the keyboard _was_ by Collard--"Collard's registered," you know.
It is true, it _was_ full compass; but the "richness" wasn't much;
And a feature felt in vain for was the "repetition touch."
Yes--it _was_ a "trichord cottage," and "but little used" had been;
And the wood, like those who bought it, all inside was very green.
It was worth a score of guineas--e'en if really worth a score:
And the "lady" who was "leaving" ere she left sold three or four,
Piping hot from minor makers, though all Collard's make-believe;
And at each recurring victim laughed a laugh within her sleeve.
Of course no breach of morals to the seller I impugn,
Although it cost five pounds a-year to keep the thing in tune.
I rather blame the buyers two for napping being caught:
And that's the way "Aeolus dear" a new piano bought.
(_a_) The foregoing lines were written several years ago, and published
at the time, with the view of exposing a fraud too frequently practised
upon people in search of so-called "bargains." Aeolus and Aurora are
no imaginary characters.
(_b_) A lady removing from ----------, is desirous of selling her
Piano. A full rich tone, 7 octaves, in beautiful walnut case, trichord
cottage, repetition touch, registered keyboard, by Collard, but little
used. 27 guineas will be accepted, worth 60.--Apply to, &c.