The Lawyer's Patron Saint

Now when the advocate was through And was about to bid "Adieu," His holiness asked what might be The size of his retaining fee. "Nor gold nor silver will I take," Said Anthony, "but you can make A present to rejoice my heart Before to Naples I depart. "To lawyers never has been given A patron to revere in Heaven; Select some doctor wise and great For us henceforth to imitate." The Holy Father said amused : "Such piety can't be refused. I've granted many worse requests To others who have been my guests. "But you must also have a hand In picking out your saint so grand, Blindfolded in the Vatican Go find a patron, if you can." With heavy bandage on his eyes, 'Mid marble saints, the lawyer tries, While Pope and Cardinals stand near, To watch him on his errand queer. At last he stops and reaches out, And grabs an image round about The waist, exclaiming, "This shall be A patron saint for all like me." The bandages removed he saw His model for the men of law: Twas no saint to guard from evil. Anthony had grabbed the devil! Said the Pope: "A wise selection! Henceforth work 'neath his protection!" Sadly the lawyer journeyed home, And sooa the news spread all through Rome. No more worked Anthony for Pope; Instead he seemed to lose all hope;

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