Page:Famous Single Poems (1924).djvu/211

 “So I did,” I replied; “but the dinner is swallowed
 * And digested, I trust, for ’tis now nine and more,

So being relieved from that duty, I followed
 * Inclination, which led me, you see, to your door;

And now will your ladyship so condescend As just to inform me if you intend Your beauty and graces and presence to lend (All of which, when I own, I hope no one will borrow) To the Stuckups’, whose party, you know, is to-morrow?”

The fair Flora looked up with a pitiful air, And answered quite promptly, “Why, Harry, mon cher, I should like above all things to go with you there; But really and truly—I’ve nothing to wear.”

“Nothing to wear! go just as you are; Wear the dress you have on, and you’ll be by far, I engage, the most bright and particular star On the Stuckup horizon”—I stopped—for her eye, Notwithstanding this delicate onset of flattery, Opened on me at once a most terrible battery