XXIII.

Then on a turtle came proud London’s Mayor,

Followed by Aldermen, a frowsy crew,

Strong smelling of Cheapside, and luscious fair,

Yet apoplexy made his followers few.

Long antlers on the head of each man grew,

So that they seem’d a host of moving horn;

Anon as on they came they’d mump and chew,

Stuffing their guts from dawning of the morn,

Till shades of evening fell—for eating only born.