The Bas Bleu (1786) [ People / Practices ]
… was Society o'er-run By Whist, that desolating Hun; Long did Quadrille despotic sit, That Vandal of colloquial wit; And Conversation's setting light Lay half-obscur'd in Gothic night. At length the mental shades decline, Colloquial wit begins to shine; Genius prevails, and Conversation Emerges into Reformation. The vanquish'd triple crown to you, BOSCAWEN sage, bright MONTAGU, Divided, … dire Circle keeps its station, Each common phrase is an oration; And cracking fans, and whisp'ring Misses, Compose their Conversation blisses. The matron marks the goodly show, While the tall daughter eyes the Beau-- The frigid Beau! Ah! …
Bluestockings | Women | Greece
Anthology