On looking at the paper next
morning, we read that at first it was feared that the elephants had
failed to keep their appointment. It was almost time to set out, and
no elephants were to be seen. What must be done? The people ought not
to be cheated out of the best part of the show; and yet, on the other
hand, how undignified for a lord mayor to be kept waiting for thirteen
elephants! I am sorry to say the police were rather glad. They had
been very much afraid that the animals might prove troublesome during
so long and unusual a walk; or else, coming from a circus, might, at
any sudden pause, imagine themselves in the arena, and take it into
their grave heads to perform on two legs and terrify the horses, or
possibly annoy the lord mayor and his chaplain by putting their
long trunks into his coach. But, happily for us, the police were
disappointed. Such dignified creatures could not be expected to come
early and be kept waiting.
Just at the right time they came leisurely up, and gravely taking
their proper place, marched on with their proverbial sagacity--waiting
outside Westminster Hall, whilst the lord mayor swore to do his
duty, as quietly as though they were at home--and afterward left the
procession at Blackfriars Bridge, to go to their own quarters and
eat their well-earned dinner.
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