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146
what's o'clock
To his martial exploits in the style of his head,
While a poet—you're a poet, Sir, I think I've heard said—
Oh, no, Sir, indeed, not a bit more confined,
A poet's hair should seem the least trifle inclined
To a graceful disorder, it should look well when tossed;
If you cut it too short this effect is quite lost.
Oh, I beg, Mr. Keats, not another least snip.
Oh, dear, I do really regret that last clip.
I am glad you are pleased, but I don't think a poet
Should order his hair so that no one can know it.
Still, you look very well, though I should have preferred
More dash and confusion for you. I have heard
That Lord Byron measures his hair with a rule
Before it is cut, and the least thimbleful
Too much taken off sets him all in a taking.
I've been told of men who couldn't cut him for shaking.