A SONNET OF SPRING FASHIONS

Published in the Granta

Cambridge University, Cambridge, England

21 May 1898

(page 308)

My Chloe has asked for a sonnet

To hymn her coerulean hat.

Of course I mayn’t call it a bonnet

(Though the rhyme would come awfully pat).

It has cherries and strawberries on it,

It’s trimmed with the tail of a rat.

I think that this verse, if she con it,

Is likely to fall very flat.

Better luck, as I hope, with the sestet.

I cannot write sonnets, my Chloe,

They turn out so terribly doughy!

I only write this, as you pressed it.

Though now, you’ll admit it, it looks showy,

In writing I heartily blest it!