The Accusing Buyers[15] "flew up to Heaven's Chancery," Blushing like scarlet with shame and concern; The Archangel took down his tale, and in answer he Wept—(See the works of the late Mr. Sterne).
Indeed, it is said, a less taking both were in When, after a lapse of a great many years, They book'd Uncle Toby five shillings for swearing, And blotted the fine out again with their tears!
But St. Nicholas' agony who may paint? His senses at first were well-nigh gone; The beatified saint was ready to faint When he saw in his Abbey such sad goings on!
For never, I ween, had such doings been seen There before, from the time that most excellent Prince Earl Baldwin of Flanders, and other Commanders, Had built and endowed it some centuries since.
—But hark!—'tis a sound from the outermost gate! A startling sound from a powerful blow.— Who knocks so late?—it is half after eight By the clock,—and the clock's five minutes too slow.
Never, perhaps, had such loud double raps Been heard in St. Nicholas' Abbey before; All agreed "it was shocking to keep people knocking," But none seem'd inclined to "answer the door."
Now a louder bang through the cloisters rang, And the gate on its hinges wide open flew; And all were aware of a Palmer there, With his cockle, hat, staff, and his sandal shoe.
Many a furrow, and many a frown By toil and time on his brow were traced; And his long loose gown was of ginger brown, And his rosary dangled below his waist.
Now seldom, I ween, in such costume seen, Except at a stage-play, or masquerade; But who doth not know it was rather the go With Pilgrims and Saints in the second Crusade?
With noiseless stride did that Palmer glide en floor; And he made them all jump, he gave such a thump Against the Refectory door!