Stand up straight as letter l,
Toes turned out and head held high,
Shoulders back, and you will see,
How much admired you will be.
Never dress with undue haste,
Choose your robes with care and taste,
Ask your mirror every day,
If you’re nice in every way.
Your cheeks may rival rose and milk,
Your voice may be soft as silk,
In music, painting, you excel,
Your singing may eclipse a bell.
Your needlework may be divine,
Your dancing may be really fine,
You’re complimented on your vigour,
But do you hear, “Oh, what a figure!”
A lady’s waist is always small,
Her heels are always very tall,
Spotless gloves her arms encase,
A dainty veil protects her face.
She does not ever need a coach,
Her manners are beyond reproach,
Deportment and grace are hers,
She has no fear of any slurs.
Now all you ladies, young and sweet,
Figure first, and then your feet,
Your waists can never be too small,
Your heels can never be too tall.
If gloves and veils, and sunshades, too,
On your walks accompany you,
Admiring eyes will turn your way,
And you’ll be happy every day.