Strip off the gaudes and tinsel in which you have decked your foolish May Queen.

Have done with your senseless and profane mummeries; and dismiss your Robin Hoods, your Friar Tucks, and your Hobby-horses.

Silence your pestilent minstrels, and depart peaceably to your own homes.

Abandon your sinful courses, or assuredly 'the Lord will come upon you unawares, and cut you in sunder, and appoint your portion among unbelievers.'" So sonorous was the voice of the Puritan, so impressive were his looks and gestures, that his address commanded general attention.

While he continued to speak, the sports were wholly stopped.