Alchemy

When Kew found spring, and we found Kew, Gold was the London that we knew— The gold of gold whose metal is As yellow as the primroses.

London’s Lord Mayor, Dick Whittington, In heaven heard the carillon “Turn again;” London after all Is paved with gold by Chiswick Mall.

But afterwards the town was sold To a mad alchemist for gold, Who used his art to change, instead Of lead to gold, the gold to lead.

If where the streets to Hampstead twist You meet a doting alchemist Seeking lost gold, refuse him pity; He changed us when he changed the city!