Classic Poem

" PRAY how is your daughter, friend Scroggins?
I hear that she had quite a fall
While dancing the German, last evening,
At Montague's recherche ball.

" I'm sorry Miss Laura was injured,
And hope that no serious harm
Will ensue from the fall; I assure you
Wife and I were quite filled with alarm.

" Those dresses with trails are a nuisance;
They didn't wear them in our day.
No wonder that accidents happen
With such things to get in one's way.

" When we used to dance, my dear Scroggins,
There were no such " pullbacks" as these
To mar our delight in the " mazy,"
And trip us, perchance, on our knees.

" You could balance, and go down the centre,
And dance the Virginia reel,
Without walking half up a panier,
With the bustle caught on to your heel.

" Mrs. Grundy called over this morning,
And said, with a smirk and grimace,
That Laura, last night at the party,
Was horribly banged round the face.

" So I thought I'd come over and ask you
If she was improving to-day,
And if we could be of assistance
In any conceivable way.

" Mrs. Grundy said — " " Zounds, Mr. Jenkins,
Just tell Mrs. G. to be hanged!
There's nothing the matter with Laura;
'Twas her hair, not her face, that was " banged." "