Thus tricked, and thus trim, to set forth I begin, Neat and cleanly without, but scarce cleanly within; For why, Heaven knows it, I long time had been A most humble obedient servant to sin; And now in devotion was even so proud, I scorned forsooth to join prayer with the crowd; For though courted by all the bells as I went, I was deaf, and regarded not the compliment, But to the cathedral still held on my pace, As't were, scorning to kneel but in the best place. I there made myself sure of good music at least, But was something deceived, for 'twas none of the best: But however I stay'd at the church's commanding Till we came to the 'Peace passes all understanding,' Which no sooner was ended, but whir and away, Like boys in a school when they've leave got to play; All save master mayor, who still gravely stays Till the rest had made room for his worship and's mace: Then he and his brethren in order appear, I out of my stall, and fell into his rear; For why, 'tis much safer appearing, no doubt, In authority's tail, than the head of a rout. In this rev'rend order we marched from prayer; The mace before me borne as well as the mayor; Who looking behind him, and seeing most plain A glorious gold belt in the rear of his train, Made such a low conge, forgetting his place, I was never so honoured before in my days: But then off went my scalp-case, and down went my fist, Till the pavement, too hard, by my knuckles was kissed; By which, though thick-skulled, he must understand this, That I was a most humble servant of his; Which also so wonderful kindly he took, (As I well perceived both b' his gesture and look,) That to have me dogg'd home he straightway appointed, Resolving, it seems, to be better acquainted. I was scarce in my quarters, and set down on crupper, But his man was there too, to invite me to supper: I start up, and after most respective fashion Gave his worship much thanks for his kind invitation; But begged his excuse, for my stomach was small, And I never did eat any supper at all; But that after supper I would kiss his hands, And would come to receive his worship's commands. Sure no one will say, but a patron of slander, That this was not pretty well for a Moorlander: And since on such reasons to sup I refused, I nothing did doubt to be holden excused; But my quaint repartee had his worship possess'd With so wonderful good a conceit of the rest, That with mere impatience he hoped in his breeches To see the fine fellow that made such fine speeches: 'Go, sirrah!' quoth he, 'get you to him again, And will and require, in his Majesty's name, That he come; and tell him, obey he were best, or I'll teach him to know that he's now in West-Chester.' The man, upon this, comes me running again, But yet minced his message, and was not so plain; Saying to me only, 'Good sir, I am sorry To tell you my master has sent again for you; And has such a longing to have you his guest, That I, with these ears, heard him swear and protest,