Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). A Victorian Anthology, 1837–1895. 1895.

Austin Dobson 1840–1921

A Rondeau to Ethel

Dobson-A

“IN teacup-times”! The style of dress

Would suit your beauty, I confess;

BELINDA-like, the patch you ’d wear;

I picture you with powdered hair,—

You ’d make a charming Shepherdess!

And I—no doubt—could well express

SIR PLUME’S complete conceitedness,—

Could poise a clouded cane with care

“In teacup-times”!

The parts would fit precisely—yes:

We should achieve a huge success!

You should disdain, and I despair,

With quite the true Augustan air;

But … could I love you more, or less,—

“In teacup-times”?