Songs, Ballads, and Other Poems by the late Thomas Haynes Bayly; Edited by his Widow. With A Memoir of the Author. In Two Volumes |
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THE DRAWING ROOM. |
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THE DRAWING ROOM.
I
I must be presented to-day, Lady Susan!I must be presented to-day;
I must be presented, or what will my cousin,
The Bride, Lady Mackintosh, say?
She married a man who was knighted last season,
For carrying up an address;
If she's a great lady, there can be no reason,
My Lady, why I should be less.
II
Now pray, Lady Susan, don't say that you're poorly,'Tis plain that you want to withdraw;
You've married my brother, and I've a right, surely,
To go with my sister-in-law;
And though you consider us vulgar relations,
Some proper repayment there'll be
For Brother Bob's Diamond and Pearl presentations,
In this presentation of me.
III
Look at me, my Lady; 'tis folly to quarrel,You'll own that I'm fit to be seen:
My yellow silk petticoat loop'd up with laurel,
So elegant—yellow and green!
My train of red satin (so very well chosen—
'Twill make a pelisse in the spring);
And then my blue feathers! I'm sure, Lady Susan,
I must be remark'd by the King.
IV
A train may look very magnificent, flowingBehind one in folds, I dare say;
But as for a hoop! oh! I could not bear going
To court in that round about way!
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Three yards—it is quite a take-in;
And why did you laugh, when you saw I was tying
Them gracefully under my chin?
V
And what must be done when I stand in the presence?Pray tell—I rely upon you:
Must I civilly say, as I make my obeisance:
“Your Majesty—how do you do?”
To be kiss'd by the King! Lady Susan, assist me,
I shall not be fit to be seen!
What, kiss me in public! oh, when he has kiss'd me,
I sha'nt dare to look at the Queen!
| Songs, Ballads, and Other Poems | |