"MILESTONES."
(Ladies of the coloured hair school are reported to be painting dragons on their cheeks in place of complexion spots.)
When the world was very young
And agog with derring-do,
Knights went courting maids who hung
Chained, for dragons' teeth to chew;
Found their lass, and set her free,
Having duly on the spot
Slain the dragon (or, maybe,
Having failed to slay, did not).
Later, when your maid demure,
Long of lash and coy of mien,
Seemed a conquest swift and sure,
Fiercer monsters stepped between:
Mrs. Grundies, grey and grim,
Kept Miss Proper closely tied;
Beaus dissolved before the prim
Portly dragon at her side.
Now there dawns a lighter day;
Chaperons are nearly dead;
Undefended lies the way
For your amorous wight to tread,
Yet we still must pay our toll,
We who woo the guarded rose:
Frightful at the very goal
Lurks the dragon by her nose.
Modern maidens, if upon
Cheeks that court the curious stare
Voluntarily you don
This insane pictorial wear,
Know your tricks intrigue us not,
Frankly, ladies, they appal;
Out, I say, out, damnéd spot!
We don't like your cheek at all.