That supposing, according to popular fame,
"Wise Woman" and Witch to be the same,
No hag with a broom would unwisely stop,
But up and away through the chimney-top;
Whereas, the moment they burst the door,
Planted fast on her sanded floor,
With her trumpet up to her organ of hearing,
Lo and behold!--Dame Eleanor Spearing!

Oh! then rises the fearful shout -
Bawled and screamed, and bandied about -
"Seize her!--Drag the old Jezebel out!"
While the Beadle--the foremost of all the band,
Snatches the Horn from her trembling hand -
And after a pause of doubt and fear,
Puts it up to his sharpest ear.
"Now silence--silence--one and all!"
For the Clerk is quoting from Holy Paul!
But before he rehearses
A couple of verses,
The Beadle lets the Trumpet fall!
For instead of the words so pious and humble,
He hears a supernatural grumble.

Enough, enough! and more than enough; -
Twenty impatient hands and rough,
By arm and leg, and neck and scruff,
Apron, 'kerchief, gown of stuff -
Cap and pinner, sleeve and cuff -
Are clutching the Witch wherever they can,