To fish among the spawn were cruel sign:
John Bull should leave his Hook, and fishers then
Should be employed in quite another line.
'Twere graceless sure to fright the little fry
From family peace:—the Mayor, their quiet heeding
The die has cast that then they should not die,
Besides 'twould plainly be against good breeding!
The Thames is the Mayor's nest—a bitter dish
His Lordship gives its spoilers—name of fear;
Why 'tis admitted, even by the fish,