THE LITTLE BOOK OF SOCIETY VERSE VANITY FAIR "VANITAS VANITATUM" has rung in the ears Of gentle and simple for thousands of years; The wail still is heard, yet its notes never scare Either simple or gentle from Vanity Fair. I often hear people abusing it, yet There the young go to learn and the old to forget; The mirth may be feigning, the sheen may be glare, But the gingerbread's gilded in Vanity Fair. Old Dives there rolls in his chariot, but mind Atra Cura is up with the lacqueys behind; VANITY FAIR Joan trudges with Jack aware are the Sweeth Of the trouble that waits them in Vanity 1 We saw them all go, and we something learn Of the harvest they reap when we see ther turn. The tree was enticing; its branches are ba Heigho for the promise of Vanity Fair. That stupid old Dives, once honest enoug His honesty sold for star, ribbon, and stu And Joan's pretty face has been clouded care Since Jack bought her ribbons at Vanity I Contemptible Dives! Too credulous Joar Yet we all have a Vanity Fair of our own My son, you have yours, but need no spair you I own I've a weakness for Vanity Fair. e go, we repent, we return there again; o-night you will certainly meet with us there › come and be merry in Vanity Fair. FREDERICK LOCKER-LAMPSON TO A CHILD (FROM THE "GARLAND OF RACE How shall I sing you, Child, for What rocks there are on either ha Suppose 't is on the cardsYou should grow up with quite a Platonic hate for bards! How shall I then be shamed, undo For ah! with what a scorn Your eyes must greet that luckless Who rhymed you, newly born, Who o'er your "helpless cradle" b His idle verse to turn; And twanged his tiresome instrume Above your unconcern! |