Scarce has a century of time elaps'd,
Since such an article was much in vogue;
Which, when it was not on the arm sustain'd,
Hung, pendant by a silken ribbon loop
From button of the coat of well-dress'd beau.
'Tis well for manhood that the use has ceased!
For what to woman might be well allow'd,
As suited to the softness of her sex,
Would seem effeminate and wrong in man."
William Bates.