To ancient Yenta's city fair
Forthwith the champion makes resort;
For Arthur kept his castle there
(Still, in the Nisi Prius Court,
The Table Round of his famous hall
Gaily flaunts upon the wall).
Through the King's gate he took his way
(He had come by sea to Hampton town,
Where he called, just "How d' ye do?" to say,
On Bevis, knight of high renown).
As he passed through the Close, all the friars, to see him,
Came out in canonicals, singing "Te Deum;"
As he rode up the High Street, the little boys followed,
And they flung up their caps, cheered, and shouted, and halloed.
The windows were crowded with ladies so bright,
All smiling and waving their kerchiefs of white.
Jack with dignity bowed
Right and left to the crowd,
Gracefully mingling the humble and proud.