As great Westminster;
With beau and bell and spinster,
And cleric, clerk, and coronet all tête-à-tête inside.
“‘Good folk, we sail for Africa,’ said I to all my train.
‘When bold Munchausen leads you forth, what laggard dares remain
In slippered ease, uncaring
To share my deeds of daring?’
Their cheers amazed my modesty, and more had made me vain.
“‘The sultan’s bees I’ve shepherded. I’ve hornpiped at Marseilles,
Where gulped me down, well nigh to drown, the liveliest of whales.