The Fan Song

A fan may talk when a virtuous girl must remain silent.

If you would choose a lover, the language of the fan is most helpful.

Should a young man approach who is not to your taste,

the fan warns him of your disdain.

But should a youth draw near whose glance sweetly perturbs you,

The fan will fall - by merest chance - and he will seize it.

That same night you will hear beneath your window a serenade,

the rest will follow.

A fan may talk when a virtuous girl must remain silent.