The Eighth Sin/Ballade of Shop-Windows in the High

by Christopher Morley

BALLADE OF SHOP-WINDOWS IN THE HIGH.

Let some sing the joys of our rivers, The Isis (or Thames) and the Cher,Let some swot for Mods and for Divvers Or loaf at the Clarendon bar, These pleasures I rate below parFor another I pass them all by— More seductive than all of them areThe windows that shine in the High.

Let others (more riotous livers) Frequent the Cadena bazaar,Let East Oxford empty her quivers At the heart of the young Lochimar— My pastime to view from afarMany things I would willingly buy (Did not £ s. d. shortage debar)In the windows that shine in the High.

There are fur coats (for those that have shivers) Pictures, bric-à-brac, jams by the jar,Wines, whiskeys and cordials for givers Of binges, and waters from Spa;  The fatal-to-Freshmen cigarAnd books on Anthrópophagi (I am sorry that accent to mar)In the windows that shine in the High.

Envoy.

But Fresher! unless your Papa Will pay bills without batting an eyeI would bid you be wary (Selah!) Of the windows that shine in the High.