English is my second language, with that in mind, I felt it may be interesting or amusing to some the parts which were "hard" for me to understand. >Michaelmas

English is my second language, with that in mind, I felt it may be interesting or amusing to some the parts which were "hard" for me to understand. >Michaelmas term lately over I had no idea that "Michaelmas" was even a thing. Nor do I think I have ever encountered the formulation of "term lately over" >As much mud in the streets as if the waters had but newly retired from the face of the earth This puzzled me, as I'd imagine, if there's no water, there surely would be no mud. Apparently a reference to the great flood which makes it make sense. >and it would not be wonderful to meet a Megalosaurus This one was funny since I properly understood (I think?) that it's meant to give a feeling of the savage, untamed, natural feel of the elements taking over London. But then I thought a reference to a Megalosaurus couldn't possibly be that. And it seems it is? The rest was way easier, although I had to make sure what "Dogs, undistinguishable in mire" meant.