Page:The Female-Impersonators 1922 book scan.djvu/306

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278

Memories[1]

I dream to-night of the gay bright lights
Where I sought recreation;
While meek I sat at feet of profs
To gain an education:
I studied hard six dreary eves,
But when the seventh came,
Bade "au revoir" to books and grind,
And skipped to Rialto's game.

There where lurked pleasure's devotees
Giant Kill-joy never came;
I met there New York's wildest swains,
And buxoms of ill fame:
We revelled all the evening through—
Fine fellowship, I say!
I ne'er happed on politer folk
Than in Rialto gay.

And which was I, kind sir, dost ask?
Was I a bad roue?
Or shameless demi-virgin wild,
In paint and powder gay?—

"But I was neither this nor that!"
Such answer here I set;
While youth in form, I chose to take
Diversion as soubrette.

The young bloods pardoned me—they said—
For wearing hated breeches!
"For thou art not a real male;
Thou'rt like yon winking witches

  1. See page 103 following.