THE LAWYER'S PATRON SAINT

"Walk thrice 'round this church," said His Holiness then; "Pass along by these statues of saintliest men; Repeat Pater Nosters aloud all the while, From the time when you start, till you stop in the aisle; Then stretch forth your arms and the first you embrace Shall be your own saint." With a trembling i pace, The lawyer went 'round, And never a sound Save his loud Pater Nosters was heard in the place.

II

When his round he had made, Not a whit he delayed, But made a quick rush for a saint near the wall; But, alas, the sad luck! For his eager foot struck Against a projection, which caused him to fall. As headlong he went, With mind still intent On securing a saint for the lawyers to plead, Himself forward he threw, Just missed the saint's shoe, And embraced the old Devil crouching near the saint's feet. Lansing, Mich., December, 1906.