212
what's o'clock
IN A POWDER CLOSET
Early Eighteenth Century
My very excellent young person,
Since Fate has destined you to play the rôle of coiffeur,
You will permit that I admire your quite unsurpassed skill,
Together with your polished, if a trifle over-pronounced, manners,
Without by an inch lessening the distance
Which the hazard of birth and the artifice of custom
Have placed between us.
My mirror tells me that you are a personable man;
But, indeed, it is my own image in this same mirror
Which most occupies my attention.
That such a subject as I offer
Engages you to put forth your best efforts
Since Fate has destined you to play the rôle of coiffeur,
You will permit that I admire your quite unsurpassed skill,
Together with your polished, if a trifle over-pronounced, manners,
Without by an inch lessening the distance
Which the hazard of birth and the artifice of custom
Have placed between us.
My mirror tells me that you are a personable man;
But, indeed, it is my own image in this same mirror
Which most occupies my attention.
That such a subject as I offer
Engages you to put forth your best efforts
