(The cunning fellow thought this was, of course,
A splendid chance, some of his wares to force;—
He guess’d aright—for housemaids, cooks, and scullion
Bought his mosaic, contentedly, for bullion.)
A genteel “Packman,”[244] who for years had made
His regular calls, now, following up his trade
With silks, and satins, cottons, every shade—
Avowing cheapness, with a wondrous knack—
Consid’rably reduced his holy pack:
All gather’d ’round him with an earnest zeal: