|
|
Classic and Contemporary Poetry
THE CAP THAT FITS, by HENRY AUSTIN DOBSON Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Not young, I think Last Line: The cap that fits.' Alternate Author Name(s): Dobson, Austin | |||
'Qui seme epines n'aille dechaux.' SCENE. -- A Salon with blue and white Panels. Outside, Persons pass and re-pass upon a Terrace. HORTENSE. ARMANDE. MONSIEUR LOYAL. HORTENSE (behind her fan). NOT young, I think. ARMANDE (raising her eye-glass). And faded, too! -- Quite faded! Monsieur, what say you? M. LOYAL. Nay, -- I defer to you. In truth, To me she seems all grace and youth. HORTENSE. Graceful? You think it? What, with hands That hang like this (with a gesture). ARMANDE. And how she stands! M. LOYAL. Nay, -- I am wrong again. I thought Her air delightfully untaught! HORTENSE. But you amuse me -- M. LOYAL. Still her dress, -- Her dress at least, you must confess -- ARMANDE. Is odious simply! JACOTOT Did not supply that lace, I know; And where, I ask, has mortal seen A hat unfeathered! HORTENSE. Edged with green! M. LOYAL. The words remind me. Let me say A Fable that I heard to-day. Have I permission? BOTH (with enthusiasm). Monsieur, pray! M. LOYAL. Myrtilla (lest a Scandal rise The Lady's Name I thus disguise), Dying of Ennui, once decided -- Much on Resource herself she prided -- To choose a Hat. Forthwith she flies On that momentous Enterprise. Whether to Petit or Legros, I know not: only this I know; -- Head-dresses then, of any Fashion, Bore Names of Quality or Passion. Myrtilla tried them, almost all: 'Prudence,' she felt, was somewhat small; 'Retirement' seemed the Eyes to hide; 'Content,' at once, she cast aside. 'Simplicity,' -- 'twas out of Place; 'Devotion,' for an older Face; Briefly, Selection smaller grew, 'Vexatious! odious!' -- none would do! Then, on a Sudden, she espied One that she thought she had not tried: Becoming, rather, -- 'edged with green,' -- Roses in yellow, Thorns between. 'Quick! Bring me that!' 'Tis brought. 'Complete, Superb, Enchanting, Tasteful, Neat,' In all the Tones. 'And this you call -- ?' '"ILL NATURE," Madame. It fits all.' HORTENSE. A thousand thanks! So naively turned! ARMANDE. So useful too ... to those concerned! 'Tis yours? M. LOYAL. Ah no, -- some cynic Wit's; And called (I think) -- (Placing his hat upon his breast), 'The Cap that Fits.' | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...A GAGE D'AMOUR by HENRY AUSTIN DOBSON A GARDEN SONG by HENRY AUSTIN DOBSON ARS VICTRIX (IMITATED FROM THEOPHILE GAUTIER) by HENRY AUSTIN DOBSON BEFORE SEDAN by HENRY AUSTIN DOBSON DORA VERSUS ROSE by HENRY AUSTIN DOBSON GROWING GRAY by HENRY AUSTIN DOBSON HENRY WADSWORTH LONGFELLOW; IN MEMORIAM by HENRY AUSTIN DOBSON IN AFTER DAYS; RONDEAU by HENRY AUSTIN DOBSON THE BALLAD OF PROSE AND RHYME by HENRY AUSTIN DOBSON WHEN THERE IS PEACE by HENRY AUSTIN DOBSON |
| |