rrayed in a similar costume, though, of
course, on a smaller scale. But such was the admirable discipline of the
infernal forces, that, though lions to their enemies, they were Iambs to
their friends; and on the present occasion their colonel was carried in
a cradle.

After these came twelve most worshipful baboons, in most venerable wigs.
They were clothed with scarlet robes lined with ermine, and ornamented
with gold chains, and mounted on the most obstinate and inflexible mules
in Tartarus. These were the judges. Each was provided with a pannier of
choice cobnuts, which he cracked with great gravity, throwing the shells
to the multitude, an infernal ceremony, there held emblematic of their
profession.

The Lord Chancellor came next in a grand car. Although his wig was even
longer than those of his fellow functionaries, his manners and the rest
of his costume afforded a strange contrast to them. Apparently never
was such a droll, lively fellow. His dress was something between that of
Harlequin and Scaramouch. He amused himself by keeping in the air
four brazen balls at the same time, swallowing daggers, spitting fire,
turning sugar into salt, and eating yards of pink ribbon, which, after
being well digested, re-appeared through his nose. It is unnecessary to
add, after this, that he was the most popular Lord Chancellor that had
ever held the seals, and was received with loud and enthusiastic cheers,
which apparently repaid him for all his exertions. Notwithstanding his
numerous and curious occupations, I should not omit to add that his
Lordship, nevertheless, found time to lead by the nose a most meek and
milk-white jackass that immediately followed him, and which, in spite
of the remarkable length of its ears, seemed the object of great
veneration. There was evidently some mystery about this animal difficult
to penetrate. Among other characteristics, it was said, at different
seasons, to be distinguished by different titles; for sometimes it was
styled 'The Public,' at others 'Opinion,' and occasionally was saluted
as the 'King's Conscience.'

Now came a numerous company of Priests, in flowing and funereal robes,
bearing banners, inscribed with the various titles of their Queen; on
some was inscribed Hecate, on others Juno Inferna, on others Theogamia,
Libera on some, on others Cotytto. Those that bore banners were crowned
with wreaths of narcissus, and mounted on bulls blacker than night, and
of a severe and mela