Kentucky Gazette

POET'S CORNER

FOR THE GAZETTE.

THE CALICO CAP.

The Goddess of fashion the graces convened
On business of consequence great:
The dress of her daughters she wished to amend
By consent of her council of state.

Those counsellors grave, held earnest debate
On the ways and the means to entrap,
The Goddess approved of the choice they made
Of the Lafayette calico cap.

The veil, it was urged, the fair features obscured
From the sight of admirers and beaux,
Impatiently, too, had the lovers endured
The veiling of beauty so close.

The veil was discarded by solemn decree,
But the corsett still adds to the shape,
And beauty resplendent appears to the view,
Adorned with a calico cap.

Behold, now, the ladies of every age,
With those new fashion'd caps on their heads:
The widows admire them, and enamour'd beaux sage,
And lovely and beautiful maids.

The witty, the pretty, the needy and wise,
And the rich rear'd in luxury's lap;
The gay, and the cheerful, each class & each size
Wear the neat little calico cap.

So exquisitely lovely, the girls were before,
They needed no aid from the graces;
Now lovers, poor lovers, their fates may deplore
So transcendently fair are their faces.

The Goddess of fashion her mandate should add,
(Those lovers to guard 'gainst mishap,)
That no beautiful damsel or false-hearted maid
Should wear the neat calico cap.