Nay, now and then would look quite gay,
As other people do ;

And sometimes said, or tried to say,
A witty thing or so.

He eyed the women, and made free
To comment on their shapes;

So that there was, or seem'd to be,
No fear of a relapse.

The women sail, who thought him rough,
But now no longer foolish,

"The creature may, do well enough,
But wants a deal of polish.'

At length, improved from head to heel,
'Twere scarce too much to say,

No dancing bear was so genteel,
Or half so degngé.

Now, that a miracle so strange

May not in vain be shown,

Let the dear maid who wrought the change
Even claim him for her own.