Charles wished to go early, but that seem’d to me
All nonsense: who dresses for no one to see?
We appointed at one, but you need not be told
That watches will stop, or that husbands will scold.
But we kept him in pretty good temper till two,
With nice little messages—here are a few:
“We were just coming down.” “Had he seen the new Punch?"
And “I hoped he was taking some sherry and lunch.”
At last he grew fatal, and sent us up word
That losing the morning was worse than absurd;
And my lord has a will—and by this time I know
To a frown, my dear Jenny, how far I may go.
I don’t think his haste made us dawdle the more,
But three struck as we reached the Academy door;
Such a number of visitors, all the best class,
How I wish’d that the Simpsons had happen’d to pass.
The place looks so bright, and the carpet so clean,
And there’s room to turn round; and one’s dress can be seen;
And the feeling is pleasant—though naughty, no doubt—
That you’ve been let in where your friends are shut out.
Rose insists upon telling you how we were dressed,
How we like the Spring fashions, and which are the best,
But I must say, myself, and I think you’ll agree,
The new Paris bonnet’s not suited to me.
Because, just consider, although you’ve nice hair,
Which one brings rather forward, one’s forehead is square,
And it must stand to reason, the bonnet
(Six verses removed, as not exactly relevant to an Art-Exhibition.)