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Classic and Contemporary Poetry
THE CHAPEL OF TWO SAINTS, by JOHN GODFREY SAXE Poet's Biography
First Line: In a famous tuscan city
Last Line: Of st. Peter and st. Paul!
Subject(s): Churches; Cathedrals
First Line: In a famous tuscan city
Last Line: Of st. Peter and st. Paul!
Subject(s): Churches; Cathedrals
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!
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