The aldermen all started from their places,
And open'd all the windows of their faces,
Each view'd the letter with a heart-heav'd groan.
And wish'd a thousand times it was his own.
Then bowing humbly to the mayor,
Each offer'd up his solemn prayer.—
"Make me," said one, "most gracious sir,
A learned lord high chancellor."
"And I," exclaimed a man of weight,
"I'll be your minister of state."