TIME SPENT IN
DRESS
XIII
In many a lecture, many a book,
You all have heard, you all have read,
That time is precious. Of its use
Much has been written, much been said.
There’s not a more productive source
Of waste of time to the young mind
Than dress; as it regards our hours,
My view of it is now confined.
Without some calculation, youth
May live to age, and never guess
That no one study they pursue
Takes half the time they give to dress.
Write in your memorandum book
The time you at your toilette spend;
Then, every moment which you pass
Talking of dress with a young friend;
And ever when your silent thoughts
Have on this subject been intent,
Set down as nearly as you can,
How long on dress your thoughts were bent.
If faithfully you should perform
This task, ’twould teach you to repair
Lost hours, by giving unto dress
Not more of time than its due share.