I timidly gaze and I glance in surprise,

At beauties in cambric and gingham!

A Paris I feel in this Garden of Dress,

And, had I to make a selection—

The Apple of Gold, I most freely confess,

I'd give to the Pink of Perfection!

It must not remind you of raspberry ice,

Nor cheek of a milkmaid or cotter;

A lobster-like redness is not at all nice,

Nor feverish glow of the blotter;