3-074-898 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Dolly, Isn't Christmas Jolly?, drawn by Hal Ludlow, 1883. 'A certain young lady, Who lives in Arcady, Thinks her simple Polly A duck of a Dolly; And in an arm-chair, With a minute to spare, Fast-chatters away to her; Though what she can say to her By way of invention Is past comprehension; Now kissing, now scolding her, Now warmly enfolding her. A sly little bird One day overheard Missy's gossiping tattle, And thus ran the prattle: My sweet darling Dolly! Now is it not jolly That Christmas is near, With its berries and holly, And best of good cheer? I am vastly delighted, Mamma has invited Young ladies a few To meet me and you. Well may you stare. Miss, At thought of such bliss. Each brings a fine Dolly, But none like my Polly!...O won't you look fine And all else outshine! With envy they'll stare, Their eyes open wide, As you sit on a chair Erect by my side, Dressed out as a Queen On State days is seen. O darlingest Dolly! Now isn't Christmas jolly?' John Latey. From "Illustrated London News", 1883.