page 19

My Lady of the Shop.

Children of the yard and measure,
Let me smooth away the traces
Of your recent high displeasure.
I was arguing on a basis
False, and foreign to your cases,
So you rightly took up arms.
I confess you held the aces,
I admit your many charms.

In my memory I treasure
Thoughts of joyous, eager faces.
As you scrupulously measure
Yards and yards of silk and laces,
Take the bonnets from their spaces,
Stretch the gloves upon your palms,
Test the veils with sweet grimaces:
I admit your many charms.

In your hours of well-earned leisure,
I have seen you at the races;
Quite unconsciously you measure
Every prancing horse's paces.
At the dance your smile displaces
Every heart, but never harms.
Sisters of the triple Graces,
I admit your many charms.

Envoi.
Goddess of the retail places,
All your previous alarms
This apology effaces:
I admit your many charms.

S.E.