It’s easy to bid one rack one’s brain—

I’m sure my poor head aches again 40

I’ve scratched it so, and all in vain,

Oh for a trap, a trap, a trap!’

Just as he said this, what should hap

At the chamber door but a gentle tap?

‘Bless us,’ cried the Mayor, ‘what’s that?’ 45

(With the Corporation as he sat,

Looking little though wondrous fat;

Nor brighter was his eye, nor moister,