Note 304 — NOTES ON ABSALOM AND ACHITOPHEL.
Reading edition
It is entitled, "On the three Dukes killing the Beadle on Sunday morning, February 26th 1670-1." The moral runs thus:
See what mishaps dare even invade Whitehall; This silly fellow's death puts off the ball; And disappoints the Queen, poor little chuck, I warrant 'twould have danced it like a duck: The fidlers voices entries all the sport; And the gay show put off, where the brisk court Anticipates in rich subsidy coats, All that is got by mercenary votes; Yet shall Whitehall, the innocent, the good, See these men dance all daubed with lace and blood.