Shirt Fever

I must start wearing my shirt again, the shirt I wear for a lark,
And all I ask is a Friday morn and a chance to dress in the dark.
O, it's the purple's gleam and the golden's glow and the cotton thread's straining,
And the admiring glances of those who pass by - all quite unfeigning.  (!)

(It's really late.)

I must start wearing my shirt again, for the call of the desperate scholar
Is a wild call and a needy call  - just for the sake of a dollar.
Yes, all I ask is a cheery grin and four bits in my hand;
Where else for a buck can you buy admittance to such an illustrious band?

I must start wearing my shirt again, for I've nothing left that's clean,
And when I'll have time to wash or iron still remains to be seen.
Meanwhile, all I ask is they "Write no wrongs," our charming little students
And I, myself, will heed my words, and quit while it is prudent!