Ask her if she would like to play,—
She will not answer either way;
She'll only shake herself, and then,
Just pout and grin and pout again.
Dear Grandams, meekly learn from this,
How very ill-advised it is
To don a costume fine and grand
When you go playing in the sand.
Instead of your bespangled net,
Or moire velvet edged with jet,
Just wear a gingham, simply made,
So you can tuck it up and wade.
IN CENTRAL PARK
In Central Park, along the Mall,
We see the gay goat-carriage crawl;
With little boys and girls inside,
Enjoying their exciting ride.
Right willingly each nimble steed
Exerts his very utmost speed;
And o'er the smooth hard road they race
At something like a turtle's pace.
But stout old men and portly dames,
Pray, do not urge your rightful claims;
And even though you have the price,
Listen, I beg, to my advice.
Do not insist on getting in
The little carriage for a spin;
You'd not look picturesque at all
Careering up and down the Mall.