The solemn Aldermen of the City of London are like a pack of cards that is never shuffled. Once a year the top (senior) card is slipped off and becomes Lord Mayor. Cards slipped off in previous years return to the rank of Aldermen, designated forever after as having "passed the civic chair" (i. e. been Lord Mayor). Last week in London's gloomy but impressive Guildhall there was pompous slipping.
"Oyez, Oyez, Oyez!" shouted the Common Crier. "All ye who are not of the Livery depart this hall on pain of imprisonment !"
Nobody stirred. All the Aldermen are "Liverymen" representatives...
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