The Belle's Soliloquy

Heigh Ho! Well, the season’s over! Once again we’ve come to Lent! Programme’s changes from balls and parties – Now we’re ordered to repent. Forty days of self-denial! Tell you what, I think it pays – Know’t’l freshen my complexion Going slow for forty days. No more savoury French suppers – Such as Madame R- can give. Well, I need a little thinning – Just a trifle – sure’s you live! Sometimes been afraid my plumpness Might grow into downright fat. Rector urges need of fasting – Think there’s lot of truth in that. We must meditate, he tells us, On our several acts of sin, And repent them. Let me see now – Whereabouts shall I begin! Flirting – yes, they say ‘tis wicked; Well, I’m awful penitent. (Wonder if my handsome major Goes to early Mass though Lent?) Love of dress! I’m guilty there too – Guess it’s my besetting sin. Still I’m somewhat like the lillies, For I neither toil or spin. Forty days I’ll wear my plainest – Could repentance be more true? What a saving on my dresses! They’ll make over just like new. Pride, and worldliness and all that, Rector bade us pray about Every day through Lenten season, And I mean to be devout! Papa always talks entrenchment – Lent is just the very thing. Hope he’ll get enough in pocket So we’ll move up town next spring.