Black Beetles in Amber

Unarmed

Saint Peter sat at the jasper gate,

When Stephen M. White arrived in state.

"Admit me." "With pleasure," Peter said,

Pleased to observe that the man was dead;

"That's what I'm here for. Kindly show

Your ticket, my lord, and in you go."

White stared in blank surprise. Said he

"I run this place--just turn that key."

"Yes?" said the Saint; and Stephen heard

With pain the inflection of that word.

But, mastering his emotion, he

Remarked: "My friend, you're too d---- free;

"I'm Stephen M., by thunder, White!"

And, "Yes?" the guardian said, with quite

The self-same irritating stress

Distinguishing his former yes.

And still demurely as a mouse

He twirled the key to that Upper House.

Then Stephen, seeing his bluster vain

Admittance to those halls to gain,

Said, neighborly: "Pray tell me. Pete,

Does any one contest my seat?"

The Saint replied: "Nay, nay, not so;

But you voted always wrong below:

"Whate'er the question, clear and high

You're voice rang: 'I,' 'I,' ever 'I.'"

Now indignation fired the heart

Of that insulted immortal part.

"Die, wretch!" he cried, with blanching lip,

And made a motion to his hip,

With purpose murderous and hearty,

To draw the Democratic party!

He felt his fingers vainly slide

Upon his unappareled hide

(The dead arise from their "silent tents"

But not their late habiliments)

Then wailed--the briefest of his speeches:

"I've left it in my other breeches!"