IN a famous Tuscan city Stands a chapel snug and small; Some old penitent's oblation, With a double dedication, To St. Peter and St. Paul. To a soul so stoutly guarded What of evil could befall? When was ever plan completer Without robbery of Peter, Paying thus his due to Paul? There it was I saw a lady, Very round and ripe and tall; Surely never face was sweeter Than she turned upon St. Peter, After bowing to St. Paul. Long and ardently I worshiped, -- Not the Saints, nor yet their Master, But my feminine ideal; Mea culpa! she was real Flesh and blood, and they were plaster! Good St. Anthony was tempted, Though a frigid old divine (Showing saints are only human), But he never saw a woman Half so beautiful as mine! Pardon then my bad behavior (Thus upon the twain I call), As if you were in my case, And were asking special grace Of St. Peter and St. Paul! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...PENITENTIAL PSALM: 6. DOMINE NE IN FURORE by THOMAS WYATT VISIONS: 4. A ROSE by WILLIAM BROWNE (1591-1643) HUMAN LIFE: ON THE DENIAL OF IMMORTALITY by SAMUEL TAYLOR COLERIDGE THE CREMATION OF SAM MCGEE by ROBERT WILLIAM SERVICE THE SPIRIT OF THE SABBATH by ISIDORE G. ASCHER THE FIGHT WITH THE SNAPPING TURTLE; OR, THE AMERICAN ST. GEORGE by WILLIAM EDMONSTOUNE AYTOUN BY WAY OF THE STARS by LEVI BISHOP |