Charade

Inscribed on many a learned Page
In mystic Characters and sage
My first long Time has stood;
But though its Golden Days are past,
In Wooden Walls it still may last
Till cloth’d in Flesh & Blood.

My second’s deem’d a glorious Prize
By such as love their wondering Eyes
With curious Sights to pamper;
But the same Wonder should they meet,
All’ Improviso—in the Street,
Ye Gods! how they would Scamper!

Mon Tout’s a sort of wand’ring Throne
To Woman dedicate alone,
The Salique Law reversing;
Yet there too jumps the Upstart Man,
While She jogs after as She can,
Her Regal Part rehearsing.

Written by Hester Lynch Thrale.
Thraliana entry dated 11 May 1806. Hester Thrale's spelling, grammar and capitalisation, some of which may not conform to today's standards, are reproduced faithfully throughout.