The Belle's Soliloquy

Heigh ho! well, the season's over!
Once again we've come to Lent!
Programme's changed from balls and parties --
Now we're ordered to repent.
Forty days of self-denial!
Tell you what I think it pays --
Know't'l freshen my complexion
Going slow for forty days.

No more savory Frenchy suppers --
Such as Madame R -- can give.
Well, I need a little _thinning_
Just a trifle -- sure's you live!
Sometimes been afraid my plumpness
Might grow into downright fat.
Rector urges need of fasting --
Think there's lot of truth in that.