Lost Bab ballads :: :: University of Virginia Library

What prettier sight when our ponds are all frozen,
And skaters rush out to the parks by the dozen,
Than to see a sweet girl—her skates on in a trice—
Scud away in her crinoline over the ice?

There are many events the amusement to heighten,
Un Anglais timide it is easy to frighten!
And we all must admit it would scarcely be nice
To be carried by crinoline over the ice.

The shape of an ankle there's good chance of showing,
And eyes are most bright when with pleasure they're glowing

Whilst rarely are charms more likely t'entice,
Than when whirling on crinoline over the ice.

Charming sensations, when crowds in gyrations,
Cut figures fantastic with wonderful patience;
And a perfect adept cuts an 8 in a trice,
Spite of crinoline sweeping all over the ice!

Jolly hours, too, for a winter flirtation,
In specious disguise of a wild recreation!
And we ask all the swells if they don't find it nice
To escort girls in crinoline over the ice.

There are slippings, and slidings, and various dilemmas;
If all Kitties can skate, it's not so with all Emmas;
And few are the girls who will care at what price
They venture in crinoline over the ice.

Winter is come with his locks long and hoary,
And ne'er will he leave us without the old story;
If there's one thing to give these short dull days a spice
It is skating in crinoline over the ice.