At our last meeting - you remember” - “Ay?”
“Well, very well - then freely as I drink
I spoke my thought - you take me - what I think.
And, sir, said I, if I a Freeman be,
It is my bounden duty to be free.”
“Ay, there you posed him: I respect the Chair,
But man is man, although the man’s a mayor;
If Muggins live - no, no! - if Muggins die,
He’ll quit his office - neighbour, shall I try?”
“I’ll speak my mind, for here are none but friends: