Punch, or the London Charivari, Volume 107, December 1, 1894

As over London Bridge I went A constable I spied: His head upon his breast was bent, Against the parapet he leant, He gazed upon the stream intent, And as I passed he sighed.
What ails thee, officer? I cried In sympathetic tone. What sorrow in thy soul is bred? Nay, never shake thy mournful head, But tell me of thy woes instead— Thou shalt not weep alone.
He eyed me for a moment's space In half-suspicious doubt; But reading not a single trace Of aught but pity in my face, He told me of his hapless case And poured his sorrows out.
Time was, not many months ago — His voice began to quiver— When, in a stately march and slow, The tide of traffic used to flow In floods as full as that below — He pointed to the river.
From early dawn to dewy night It still blocked up the way: The creaking wain, the hansom light, The gaudy bus, in colours bright, The gilded coach, the buggy slight, And e'en the donkey-shay.
Amid the throng I took my stand, I watched them come and go. Anon the serried lines I scanned, Anon I raised a warning hand, And lo! at my supreme command The flood forgot to flow!
The bus, the cab, the coach, the fly, Were motionless and still. In all the crowds that passed me by Was no one of degree so high That dared my sovereignty defy, Or disobey my will.
The hansom hasting on her way Paused when she heard my call. The coster checked his donkey-shay, The gartered lord his prancing bay— All, all were subject to my sway, My word was law to all.
Alas! alas! 'tis thus no more! Gone is my pride and power! Where thousands passed in days of yore Across the bridge, we've scarce a score, For now the tides of traffic pour Round by the busy Tower.
And I am left to mourn alone The glories that are fled. None heed me now—alas! not one! My life is lived! my day is done! Othello's occupation's gone— Ah! would that I were dead!
He ceased. The manly voice broke down. I could no longer stay, But, as I hurried off to town, I pressed upon him half-a-crown, And joyed to see the hopeless frown Die for a while away.