Themes and Variations/The Mirror

THE MIRROR.

Esther.—Just let me see the primrose gown—
I think I like its colour best;
That lace, too—ancient Point d’Espagne—
Is worth twice all the rest.

These ruffles once danced with a Queen
A minuet in an oaken hall;
This sleeve once trembled on the hand
Of haughty cardinal.

The convent walls of Philip’s Spain,
The gentle nuns, the sunburnt day,
The secret, even of its make,
All, all are passed away.

While this foam breath outlives,—but still
I wonder if my blue will fit
Such colour! Turquoise set in pearl
Alone would go with it.

I know he likes this old brocade;
Pale cowslips trim its pictured stuff;
The satin hardly suits my hair,
My arm’s not fair enough.

Lucy will wear her russet gown,
And Rosamond loves the rose’s hue;
And Magdalen says, ‘The girl’s a fool
Who would not choose the new.’

Which shall it be?—For one so brown,
I fear the tabinet is too bright—
The oldest always suits me best,
I’ll wear it for to-night.

Now quick—my painted Watteau fan,
And bring my Spanish gloves, Nanette—
See that my shoes are not awry—
One wants a new rosette.

Now wave my hair,—a little higher
And put the yellow aigrette in,
One rose perhaps?—no, no, not one,
Give me that diamond pin.

Ready at last! How pale I look!
Now tell me, children, will I do?
I fear this silk is faded quite—
I wish I’d worn the blue.