Page:Halleck.djvu/133

 Was all "en papillotes," each auburn tress Prettily pinned apart. You well might swear She was no beauty; yet, when "made up" ready For visiters, 'twas quite another lady.

Since that wise pedant, Johnson, was in fashion, Manners have changed as well as moons; and he Would fret himself once more into a passion, Should he return (which heaven forbid!) and see, How strangely from his standard dictionary, The meaning of some words is made to vary.

For instance, an undress at present means The wearing a pelisse, a shawl, or so; Or any thing you please, in short, that screens The face, and hides the form from top to toe; Of power to brave a quizzing-glass, or storm— 'Tis worn in summer, when the weather's warm.

But a full dress is for a winter's night. The most genteel is made of "woven air;" That kind of classic cobweb, soft and light, Which Lady Morgan's Ida used to wear. And ladies, this aërial manner dressed in, Look Eve-like, angel-like, and interesting.