Rhymes with reason and without

Shillaber, B. P. (1814-1890)

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199

THE ANTIQUATED CHAPEAU.

I remember—I remember—
That Hat, now worn and dim,
When glossy shone its silky crown,
And eke its curling rim;
When Sundays donned it glory shed
Upon the suit below,
The glancing sunshine in its sheen
Received an added glow.

I remember—I remember—
When to the house 't was brought,
The wily jokes that passed around
In asking who was caught;
The repartee that darted back;
The answer prompt and pat;
The full receipt—stop—was it so?
I can't remember that.

I remember—I remember—
When first it 'gan to fade,
To save it from a fast decay
The efforts that were made;

200

The ink put on the browning spots,
And ironed once a week;—
But fading beauty spoke more plain
Than tongue could ever speak.

I remember—I remember—
When last that hat was worn,
Its top was rusty at the verge,
Its rim was sadly torn;
Its polished sheen had vanished all
That charmed in other days—
Its crown a continent of felt,
Indented round with bays.

I remember—I remember—
What parsons used to say,
When I attended to their calls,
That all things must decay;
Then let me wisdom gain from thee,
My old hat on the shelf,
And heed the lesson thou dost teach,—
I must decay myself.

University of Virginia Library

THE ANTIQUATED CHAPEAU.