Skip to content
1831–1884

A, B, C.

Charles Stuart Calverley

A is an Angel of blushing eighteen: B is the Ball where the Angel was seen: C is her Chaperone, who cheated at cards: D is the Deuxtemps, with Frank of the Guards:

E is the Eye which those dark lashes cover: F is the Fan it peeped wickedly over: G is the Glove of superlative kid: H is the Hand which it spitefully hid:

I is the Ice which spent nature demanded: J is the Juvenile who hurried to hand it: K is the Kerchief, a rare work of art: L is the Lace which composed the chief part.

M is the old Maid who watch'd the girls dance: N is the Nose she turned up at each glance: O is the Olga ( just then in its prime ): P is the Partner who would n't keep time:

Q‘ s a Quadrille, put instead of the Lancers: R the Remonstrances made by the dancers: S is the Supper, where all went in pairs: T is the Twaddle they talked on the stairs:

U is the Uncle who‘ thought we'd be going': V is the Voice which his niece replied‘ No’ in: W is the Waiter, who sat up till eight: X is his Exit, not rigidly straight:

Y is a Yawning fit caused by the Ball: Z stands for Zero, or nothing at all.

Cookies on Poetry Cove

We use cookies to remember your language preference and — only with your consent — to learn how Poetry Cove is used. You can change your mind any time.
A, B, C. · Charles Stuart Calverley · Poetry Cove