Littell's Living Age/Volume 137/Issue 1769/To Ethel

by Henry Austin Dobson

TO ETHEL,

⁠(Who wishes she had lived —
"In teacup-times of hood and hoop,
⁠Or while the patch was worn.")

"In teacup times!" The style of dress
Would suit your beauty, I confess;
⁠Belinda-like, the patch you'd wear;
⁠I picture you with powdered hair, —
You'd make a charming shepherdess!

And I — no doubt — could well express
Sir Plume's complete conceitedness, —
⁠Could poise a clouded cane with care
⁠"In teacup-times!"

The parts would fit precisely — yes:
We should achieve a huge success;
⁠You should disdain, and I despair,
⁠With quite the true Augustan air;
But … could I love you more, or less,
⁠"In teacup-times?"

Blackwood's Magazine.Austin Dobson.