Mary Baldwin College - Bluestocking Yearbook (Staunton, VA)

Page 20 text:

With fancy ball pleased and content. Old mother Goose, as she rode by, When on her way up through the sky, Beheld this revelry and fun, And tho ' she ' s old, she, too, is young. And enters in with might and main To aught that is of lighter vein. So Christmas night she gave command That for a time we join her band ; Then round about she cast her charm, And tho ' she did no mite of harm. No one, indeed, had ever thought That e ' er such changes could be wrought As those within that one short hour. Occasioned by her magic power. Her band was present, every one, From King Cole to the Piper ' s son, And the fat old gent from far Bombay Did exercise unrivalled sway ; For none were anxious to combat With a man so monstrous fat. Boy Blue was there, and Jack and Jill, And they were up to mischief still. And still the dame did shake and freeze. Whose skirts were cut up to her knees. But Simple Simon took the prize. Not for being wondrous wise. But as a paltry recompense For such an utter lack of sense. Of course Old Mother Goose was there. And in each game she took a share. And when at length her spell was o ' er. And all the girls were as before.

Page 19 text:

Until the game was really done, And though we cared not which side won, We gave the winning side their due, And cheered a hearty cheer or two. The following night, an undertaking Not of our own original making. But one which is of old renown, Where rag and tag and velvet gown, And other styles of like array, Down in the gym did hold full sway ; I ' m sure there never was more hearty, Wholesome, frolicking, tacky party. The boxes now began to come. And each and every girl had one. So, many an oft-repeated feast Gave pleasure not at all the least ; The love of feasting we can trace Down from the most primeval race, For ever since time first began. There ' s always been an inner man. We never did have time for rest. For, after that, all fancy drest. To trip the light fantastic toe, Down in the ball-room (?) all did go. From gay soubrette to queen so fair, All other personages were there ; Some of them were of famous note. And others were of names remote ; It mattered not, when oft was seen A courtier dancing with his queen. And thus the hours soon were past Until the curfew tolled at last, When knights and ladies homeward went,

Page 21 text:

She started on her skyward flight, We thanked her for the pleasant night, And also for her timely measure That added so much to our pleasure. Though half indeed has not been told. No more to you shall I unfold, For I did promise but a line To M. B. S. at Christmas time. Blanche Adair.