Is heard—then the Abbot proceeds to un-padlock
A casket, and from it with prayers takes a hat-block.
[The last rhyme, dear reader, I very well know
Just as well as yourself, is not quite comme il faut,
But I’d rather make such a slight slip, than I’d fit a lie
For the sake of mere sound to this true tale of Italy.]
Yes, the Abbot devout,
A Hat Block took out,
And ’twas hailed by the Monks with a song and a shout:—
Not a block of the shape of a hat worn in town;