The buxom beauty steps upon the scene
Applause erupts like frightened doves in plume
Beside her clings a mouse in gabardine
Who now becomes the envy of the room

O’er table-tops their twinkling fingers glide
As eager social climbers salivate
And though their desp’rate reaching is denied
They may yet gain some chance to elevate

This prissy mob, this empty, paltry game
Inspiring awe that’s tainted with disgust
These shallow proud believing not in shame
Nor any shining diamond turns to dust

The dream persists that someday seas will rise
And wash this gaudy vision from our eyes

–BSB