The fattest buck which trod the vast domain

Was for the banquet seasonably slain;

And choice provisions, of the daintiest sort

(Full meet to grace the table for the court),

Were being selected with the greatest care

By one[246] who was himself a connoisseur.

Day after day had flown with magic haste;

The banquet-room was ’ranged with nicest taste;

And everything throughout seem’d neat and clean

(Fit for the habitation of a queen).