Which dogs and nags already had begun,

Unless by blows and hunger driv’n, to shun:

For well-bred curs and steeds genteel contemn

A stage which Taste had sunk too low for them;

Whereon the town had seen, without remorse,

A herd of bisons and a hairless horse!

Behind the two chief mourners of the band

A sad procession followed, hand in hand;

Heroes un-heroed, most unknightly knights,

Wand-broken fairies, disenchanted sprites;