(In a mocking falsetto.) "Where Gods can be mistaken, Mere Poets must be more,BAD POETS must be more."

THE CAP THAT FITS.

“Qui sème épines n'aille déchaux."

SCENE. A Salon with blue and white Panels. Outside, Persons pass and re-pass upon a Terrace.

HORTENSE.

ARMANDE. MONSIEUR LOYAL.

HORTENSE (behind her fan).
OT young, I think.

Nor

ARMANDE (raising her eye-glass).

And faded, too!

Quite faded! Monsieur, what say you?

M. LOYAL.

Nay, I defer to you. In truth,
To me she seems all grace and youth.

HORTENSE.

Graceful? You think it? What, with hands
That hang like this (with a gesture).

ARMANDE.

And how she stands

M. LOYAL.

Nay,-I an am wrong again. I thought Her air delightfully untaught!

HORTENSE.

But you amuse me—

M. LOYAL.

Still her dress,

Her dress at least, you must confess→→→

ARMANDE.

Is odious simply! JACOTOT

Did not supply that lace, I know
And where, I ask, has mortal seen
A hat unfeathered !

M. LOYAL.

"Myrtilla (lest a Scandal rise
The Lady's Name I thus disguise),
Dying of Ennui, once decided,—
Much on Resource herself she prided,-
To choose a Hat. Forthwith she flies
On that momentous Enterprise.
Whether to Petit or Legros,
I know not: only this I know;—
Head-dresses then, of any Fashion,
Bore Names of Quality or Passion.
Myrtilla tried them, almost all:
'Prudence,' she felt, was somewhat small;
'Retirement' seemed the Eyes to hide;

'Content' at once she cast aside.
'Simplicity,'-'twas out of place;
'Devotion,' for an older face;
Briefly, Selection smaller grew,
'Vexatious! odious!'-none would do!
Then, on a sudden, she espied

One that she thought she had not tried:
Becoming, rather,—'edged with green,'-
Roses in yellow, Thorns between.

'Quick! Bring me that!' 'Tis brought. Complete, Divine, Enchanting, Tasteful, Neat,'

In all the Tones. And this you call-?' "ILL-NATURE," Madame. It fits all.'

F

د.

HORTENSE.

A thousand thanks! So naïvely turned !

ARMANDE.

So useful too... to those concerned ! 'Tis yours?

M. LOYAL.

Ah no,-some cynic wit's ;

And called (I think)—

(Placing his hat upon his breast),
"The Cap that Fits."