Papist Symbol

Ride a cock-horse¹ to Banbury Cross,

To see a fine lady upon a white horse;

Rings on her fingers and bells on her toes,

She shall have music wherever she goes.

For centuries the town of Banbury in Oxfordshire has been famed for its Cross, its Puritan,² its tinkers,³ its cheese paring⁴, and its cakes⁵. Last week the Associated Press brought news:

¹Banbury Cross, to which many an American youngster has ridden a cockhorse, will be sacrificed to progress.

It stands, a heavily ornamental obstacle to traffic even to such privileged characters as fine ladies...