HORTENSE
But you amuse me—
M. LOYAL
Still her dress,—
Her dress at least, you must confess—
ARMANDE
Is odious simply! Jacotot
Did not supply that lace, I know;
And where, I ask, has mortal seen
A hat unfeathered?
HORTENSE
Edged with green!!
M. LOYAL
The words remind me. Let me say
A Fable that I heard to-day.
Have I permission?
BOTH (with enthusiasm)
Monsieur, pray!
M. LOYAL
"Myrtilla (lest a scandal rise
The lady's name I thus disguise),
Dying of ennui, once decided—
Much on resource herself she prided—
To choose a hat. Forthwith she flies
On that momentous enterprise.
Whether to Petit or Logros,
I know not: only this I know;—
Headdresses then, of any fashion,
Bore names of quality, or passion.
Myrtilla tried them, almost all:
'Prudence,' she felt, was somewhat small;
'Retirement' seemed the eyes to hide;
'Content,' at once, she cast aside.
'Simplicity,'—'twas out of place;
'Devotion' for an older face;
Briefly, selection smaller grew,
'Vexatious! odious!'—none would do!
Then, on a sudden, she espied
One that she thought she had not tried:
Becoming, rather,—'edged with green,'—
Roses in yellow, thorns between.
'Quick! Bring me that!' 'Tis brought. 'Complete,
Superb, enchanting, tasteful, neat,'
In all the tones. 'And this you call—?'
'"Ill-Nature," Madame. It fits all.'"
HORTENSE
A thousand thanks! So naively turned!