The Can-Can At Valentino’s

THE first, a mare; the second, 'twixt bow—wow And pussy—cat, a cross; the third, a beast To baffle Buffon; the fourth, not the least In hideousness, nor last; the fifth, a cow; The sixth, Chimera; the seventh, Sphinx; ... Come now, ONE woman, France, ere this frog—hop have ceased, And it shall be enough. A toothsome feast Of blackguardism ... and bald row, No doubt for such as love those same. For me, I confess, William, and avow to thee, (Soft in thine ear) that such sweet female whims Are not a passion of mine naturally.