“Whiffin, proclaim silence,” said the mayor, with an air of pomp befitting his lofty station. In obedience to this command the crier performed another concerto on the bell, whereupon a gentleman in the crowd called out “Muffins”; which occasioned another laugh.

“Gentlemen,” said the mayor, at as loud a pitch as he could possibly force his voice to⁠—“gentlemen. Brother electors of the borough of Eatanswill. We are met here today for the purpose of choosing a representative in the room of our late⁠—”

Here the mayor was interrupted by a voice in the crowd.

“Success to the mayor!” cried the voice, “and may he never desert the nail and sarspan business, as he got his money by.”