[57] Query, would not the burning of ‘Pickwick’ and ‘Bleak House’ by the common hangman do more to appease Nonconformist susceptibility than even Disestablishment? ‘Salem Chapel,’ again, and ‘Adam Bede.’ Fancy ‘Adam Bede ‘without Mr Irwine, who yet is not held up for a model parson.
[58a] “Robin Cook’s wife” evidently refers to some well-known character, and is doubtless intended to personify “England.”
[58b] The “old mare” is some old institution, and probably embodies the “Established Church.”
[58c] The mare was not perfect. What institution is, that has its alloy of humanity? Lookers-on see these failings and stare.
[58d] But the “sore back”! It evidently alludes to some special ailment, one which would make it difficult for any one to ride her.
[58e] So an “old sack” was thrown over her. Some such measures have from earliest times been found necessary to enable each occupant of the different sees to keep his seat and maintain order. In older times “Canons” were made; of late other measures have been taken—e.g., “An Act for the Regulation of Divine Service.” The sack was then “hullt on,”—thrown on,—but roughly, not gently. This is noteworthy.
[59a] “Corn in the sieve” evidently refers to some more palatable measure than the “old sack.” “Give her some oats, do not give her the sack only.” Perhaps the Ecclesiastical Commissioners may represent the present givers of corn.
[59b] But all in vain, whether to enable the riders to mount on the “sore back,” or for prolonging her life. “She chanced for to die.” The Church disestablished.
[59c] And lies in the highroad, a prize for all comers.
[59d] But by “dead as a nit” evidently is meant more than disestablished; it means also disendowed. Else, what of “all the dogs in the town,” each craving and clamouring for his bone? It was so three hundred years ago. Each dog “spŏok for a bone,” and got it.