And their stomachs once heaved, and for ever grew still!
And the turtle devourers were stretched on the floor—
Each cheek changed to purple—so crimson before!
Their dewlaps all dabbled with red wine and ale,
And extremities cold as a live fish’s tail!
And there lay the Liv’ryman, breathless and lorn,
With waistcoat and new inexpressibles torn;
And the Hall was all silent, the band having flown,
And the waiters stared wildly on, sweating and blown!
And Cripplegate widows are loud in their wail!