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.