FAMILY HISTORY: POETRY Collection written by Elsie Strawn ARMSTRONG
  
  File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Les Howard Strawn
  
  Copyright 2006.  All rights reserved.
  http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm
  http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/somerset/
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  They said that would do pretty well for the hoops; now give the bustle a 
  touch.  One who had requested it came to call on me in company with her beau.  
  So I directed my discourse to him and said thus:
  
  Did you ever see a lady
      With a hump upon her back,
  To imitate the camel,
      With moss stuffed in a sack?
  
  And if she went to church
      She would think there were some lack,
  If she went without a bag of moss
      Tied upon her back.
  
  Some take a sack of cotton,
      And some a sack of bran,
  But moss they do prefer,
      And they have it if they can.
  
  If they'd tie it on the outside
      And show their graceful shapes;
  But, they tie it under,
      And resemble much the ape.
  
  Now ladies, use discretion,
      And dress you snug and warm,
  Then you need to fear the wind,
      Nor the cold winter storm.
  
  And if you should step out
      And chance to meet a friend,
  With confidence and pleasure
      Your hand you could extend.
  
  But if you are deformed,
      Among the hoops and moss,
  No wonder if your friend
      Would look at you glum and cross.
  
  And you'd be so much embarrassed
      And so sadly you would feel,
  Almost as 'shamed and guilty
      As if you'd just been known to steal.
  
  Another word of caution, --
      On the towpath do not go,
  For there both night and day
      The wind doth constant blow.
  
  The gentleman sanctioned it, and the lady blushingly said it was good.