With many a retrospection curst,

And all my solace is to know,

Whate’er I wear, I’ve worn the worst.

What is the worst? Nay, do not ask,—

In pity from the search forbear:

Smile on,—nor venture to unclasp

My vest, and view the shirt that’s there.

From Poems and Parodies. By Phœbe Carey.
(Ticknor, Reed, and Fields,
Boston, United States, 1854.)

——:o:——

Childe Harold.