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Poem
April 16, 1868
The Monmouth Inquirer
Freehold, Monmouth County, New Jersey
What is this article about?
A satirical poem from the Monmouth Inquirer expressing women's frustration with men's cynical judgments on their flirting, dressing in style, and social freedoms, urging women to ignore such criticisms and enjoy themselves.
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OCR Quality
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Full Text
Monmouth Inquirer.
FREEHOLD, THURSDAY, APRIL 16.
IT'S A SHAME.
Oh I'm sure it's a shame, that us dear little things,
Who are so much like angels, (I wish we had wings),
May not laugh, flirt, or dress up whenever we can,
Man is sure to put down, with a cynical smile,
When we follow the fashions, and come out in "style,"
Without raising the choler angelic man
For the freedom that's gone with our good Mother Eve.
All the pleasure we feel; and our little hearts grieve
It's a shame, my fair sisters, you all will allow
When a man is so churlish he can't anyhow,
Let his sweetheart enjoy a short chat at a ball,
Without sticking his nose in, and spoiling it all.
We flirt with the sex, they oft call us "too free;"
If our manner is grave, it is "gay" we should be;
Oh! their "vinegar aspect" would pickle a saint!
Our color fine told that paint
But a peep at their greenbacks we don't often get,
And of fillies and mares 'tis their pleasure to brag;
They oft give a big sum for a fast-trotting nag.
Shall we wink at their faults while at us they complain?
Praising warm-up
And speak boldly their minds when a cynic appears
No one answers-
It's a shame gushing damsels can't dry up their tears,
Oh, dear! girls are "soft" it is plain.
And the beaux that don't like me can let me alone;
I, for one, (it's a fact,) have a mind of my own,
I shall flirt, chat and giggle whenever I choose.
And shan't quiet the tongue Nature gave us to use.
Bah! man's peppery speeches can't do me no harm-
That, when lectured by man, they will tremble and coo.
It's a shame that the girls can't all feel as I do.
I shall do as I please, girls, and don't care a darn.
FREEHOLD, THURSDAY, APRIL 16.
IT'S A SHAME.
Oh I'm sure it's a shame, that us dear little things,
Who are so much like angels, (I wish we had wings),
May not laugh, flirt, or dress up whenever we can,
Man is sure to put down, with a cynical smile,
When we follow the fashions, and come out in "style,"
Without raising the choler angelic man
For the freedom that's gone with our good Mother Eve.
All the pleasure we feel; and our little hearts grieve
It's a shame, my fair sisters, you all will allow
When a man is so churlish he can't anyhow,
Let his sweetheart enjoy a short chat at a ball,
Without sticking his nose in, and spoiling it all.
We flirt with the sex, they oft call us "too free;"
If our manner is grave, it is "gay" we should be;
Oh! their "vinegar aspect" would pickle a saint!
Our color fine told that paint
But a peep at their greenbacks we don't often get,
And of fillies and mares 'tis their pleasure to brag;
They oft give a big sum for a fast-trotting nag.
Shall we wink at their faults while at us they complain?
Praising warm-up
And speak boldly their minds when a cynic appears
No one answers-
It's a shame gushing damsels can't dry up their tears,
Oh, dear! girls are "soft" it is plain.
And the beaux that don't like me can let me alone;
I, for one, (it's a fact,) have a mind of my own,
I shall flirt, chat and giggle whenever I choose.
And shan't quiet the tongue Nature gave us to use.
Bah! man's peppery speeches can't do me no harm-
That, when lectured by man, they will tremble and coo.
It's a shame that the girls can't all feel as I do.
I shall do as I please, girls, and don't care a darn.
What sub-type of article is it?
Satire
What themes does it cover?
Satire Society
Liberty Independence
What keywords are associated?
Womens Freedom
Flirting Criticism
Fashion Satire
Gender Hypocrisy
Social Manners
Poem Details
Title
It's A Shame.
Subject
Women's Complaints About Men's Restrictions On Flirting And Fashion
Form / Style
Rhymed Stanzas
Key Lines
Oh I'm Sure It's A Shame, That Us Dear Little Things,
It's A Shame, My Fair Sisters, You All Will Allow
We Flirt With The Sex, They Oft Call Us "Too Free;"
Shall We Wink At Their Faults While At Us They Complain?
I Shall Do As I Please, Girls, And Don't Care A Darn.