[92] 
 
 
 
 
 
III 
 
THE PARSON’S PRAYER 
 
 
There was a priest who took much pleasure 
In amorous discourse o’night. 
His only sorrow — that a measure 
Was placed unto his might. 
He prayed — let not his words escape us ! — 
Unto Priapus. 
 
“ Thou God whom constantly I serve 
(As constantly as any can) 
Endow me with more strenuous nerve, 
Make me a mightier man ! 
Increase my powers of ejection ! 
Grant me more erection ! ” 
 
The god took heed unto his prayer —  
A faithful servant deserves pay —  
Yet, pondering, fingers run through hair, 
He curtly answered “ Nay ” 
His suppliant, wrathful, then departed 
Half broken-hearted. 
 
But Mercury had chanced to listen 
While these remarks were being made. 
His mischief-loving eyeballs glisten. 
He touched the man, and said : 
“ Priapus is an old curmudgeon ! 
Go not in dudgeon ! ”