April 17th Hamlet Act 1 Scene 3

 

17^th April  Hamlet Act 1 Scene 3

 

Costly thy habit as thy purse can buy

I was 18 and yet young; took myself off to London

And bought white tight trousers with black buttons;

And purple velvet similar (sadly they were too tight).

A yellow cheesecloth shirt, beautiful, just right.

But.

I cannot remember ever going anywhere to show them off.

 

But not expressed in fancy; rich not gaudy

Starting work.

A made-to-measure Fosters suit.

But I did not understand what I was ordering

Jacket no pleats; baggy trousers complete; all awful bordering

Unwearable. And I did not.

 

For the apparel oft proclaims the man.

I have not left it too late.

But nearly…

I now know what I want and clearly

Want colourful and bright; or pastel and right.

With collarless shirts; chinos and scarves.

I aim at a style that is casually bohemian

And defy and deny I’m septuagenarian.