Poèmes et textes

This feast is named the Carnival, which being Interpreted, implies "farewell to flesh:" So call'd, because the name and thing agreeing, Through Lent they live on fish, both salt and fresh.

But saving this, you may put on whate'er You like by way of doublet, cape, or cloak. Such as in Monmouth-street, or in Rag Fair, Would rig you out in seriousness or joke;

You'd better walk about begirt with briars, Instead of coat and smallclothes, than put on A single stitch reflecting upon friars, Although you swore it only was in fun;

And there are dresses splendid, but fantastical, Masks of all times and nations, Turks and Jews, And harlequins and clowns, with feats gymnastical, Greeks, Romans, Yankee-doodles, and Hindoos;

The moment night with dusky mantle covers The skies (and the more duskily the better), The time less liked by husbands than by lovers Begins, and prudery flings aside her fetter;

'T is known, at least it should be, that throughout All countries of the Catholic persuasion, Some weeks before Shrove Tuesday comes about, The people take their fill of recreation,