Had it come to this, that the Vicar of Chuntsey must pretend to be mad or drunk?
It had come to this.
"I walked along with the rest up the deserted road, imitating and keeping pace, as far as I could, with their rapid and yet lady-like step, until at length I saw a lamp-post and a policeman standing under it.

I had made up my mind.

Until we reached them we were all equally demure and silent and swift.

When we reached them I suddenly flung myself against the railings and roared out: 'Hooray! Hooray! Hooray! Rule Britannia! Get your 'air cut.

Hoop-la! Boo!' It was a condition of no little novelty for a man in my position.
"The constable instantly flashed his lantern on me, or the draggled, drunken old woman that was my travesty.