| |
| “VANITAS vanitatum” has rung in the ears | |
| Of gentle and simple for thousands of years; | |
| The wail still is heard, yet its notes never scare | |
| Either simple or gentle from Vanity Fair. | |
| |
| I often hear people abusing it, yet | 5 |
| There the young go to learn and the old to forget; | |
| The mirth may be feigning, the sheen may be glare, | |
| But the gingerbread’s gilded in Vanity Fair. | |
| |
| Old Dives there rolls in his chariot, but mind | |
| Atra Cura is up with the lacqueys behind; | 10 |
| Joan trudges with Jack—are the Sweethearts aware | |
| Of the trouble that waits them in Vanity Fair? | |
| |
| We saw them all go, and we something may learn | |
| Of the harvest they reap when we see them return. | |
| The tree was enticing; its branches are bare— | 15 |
| Heigho for the promise of Vanity Fair. | |
| |
| That stupid old Dives, once honest enough, | |
| His honesty sold for star, ribbon, and stuff; | |
| And Joan’s pretty face has been clouded with care | |
| Since Jack bought her ribbons at Vanity Fair. | 20 |
| |
| Contemptible Dives! Too credulous Joan! | |
| Yet we all have a Vanity Fair of our own; | |
| My son, you have yours, but you need not despair— | |
| I own I ’ve a weakness for Vanity Fair. | |
| |
| Philosophy halts—wise counsels are vain, | 25 |
| We go, we repent, we return there again; | |
| To-night you will certainly meet with us there— | |
| So come and be merry in Vanity Fair. | |
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