On shoes, and which would wear the best—

Tan slippers or prunellas.

Then came (it did look like a joke)

Essays on bonnet, hat, and toque:

Said I, “They must be mocking.”

And when at length a mermaid rose,

And read a thesis to expose

The latest novelty in hose,

I felt my reason rocking.

But when at last the thing was o’er,