Male Fashions for 1799

Male Fashions for 1799

Original Text
Mary Robinson, Poetical Works (London: R. Phillips, 1806), III: 297-98. PR 5233 R27 1806 Robarts Library
1CROPS like hedgehogs, high-crown'd hats,
2    Whispers like Jew MOSES ;
3Padded collars, thick cravats,
4    And cheeks as red as roses.
5Faces painted pink and brown ;
6    Waistcoats strip'd and gaudy ;
7Sleeves thrice doubled thick with down,
8    And straps to brace the body.
9Short great-coats that reach the knees,
10    Boots like French postillion ;
11Worn the G----- race to please,
12    But laugh'd at by the million.
13Square-toed shoes, with silken strings,
14    Pantaloons not fitting ;
15Finger deck'd with wedding rings,
16    And small-clothes made of knitting.
17Curricles so low, that they
18    Along the ground seem dragging ;
19Hacks that weary half the day
20    In Rotten-row are fagging.
21Bull-dogs grim, and boxers bold,
22    In noble trains attending ;
23Science which is bought with gold,
24    And flatt'rers vice commending.
25Hair-cords, and plain rings, to shew
26    Many a LADY's favour,
27BOUGHT by ev'ry vaunting beau,
28    With mischievous endeavour.
29Such is giddy FASHION's son !
30    Such a MODERN LOVER !
31Oh ! wou'd their reign had ne'er begun !
32    And may it soon BE OVER !
Publication Start Year
1806
RPO poem Editors
Ian Lancashire
RPO Edition
RPO 1996-2000.
Rhyme