OH, silken gown, all pink and pretty,
Bought, quite a bargain, in the City,
Your ill-trained soul full false has played me —
No Paris gown would have betrayed me.
You knew, my pretty silken treasure,
I must not wed for love or pleasure,
But for a settlement and title;
Yet you encouraged his recital!
He said — oh, faithless gown, you listened
While on your sheen two tear drops glistened —
He said... let love to music set it,
I'll never speak it — nor forget it!
“No, no!” I cried, I tried to save you —
False gown, you showed the tears I gave you!
You looked discreet when first I found you.
How could you let his arm go round you?
You darling dress — I'll smooth your creases,
I'll wear you till you drop to pieces;
But poor men's wives wear cotton only —
Dear gown — I hope you wo n't feel lonely!