ONCE ANCIENT.—A FACT.

A Norwich mayor, who an uncommon thing

(Because 'twas generous) had done, was sent

With a petition to his gracious King,[⁹]

And reach'd St. James's wondrously content.

His Majesty found him quite eloquent,

Fond of a dinner, fonder of a joke

But, needing matter

For converse with his stranger worship, spoke

Of Norfolk hospitality, and geese;

Of turkeys, game, and fowls, that take a lease

Yearly to smoke on many a cockney platter,

Forgetting not, to please the honest gent:

Mention of gravy, sausage, dumpling, batter;

Till, the good man, quite in his element

'Gan prating glibly of the Norwich folk

And what fine things were doing in their city,

"An ancient place it is, sir!" said the prince,

"As its old churches, castle, gates, evince!"

"Gates!" please your highness, "there my heart is broke,

They 'as, and more's the pity,

Just pull'd the old gates down! (I may

Get i' the wrong box too, for blabbin')

Narwich an arncient city, did you say?

An' please your Majesty, not now; 't ha' been!"