FOR CHILDREN. 213

St. P, N. Well: and how then ?
Youth. Why then, for aught I know,
I may be made a bishop.
St. P. N. Be it so—~
What then ?
Youth. Why, cardinal’s a high degree.
And yet my lot it possibly may be.
St. P. N. Suppose it was—what then ?
Youth. Why, who can say
But I’ve a chance of being pope one day ?
St. P. N. Well, having worn the mitre and red
hat,
And triple crown, what follows after that ?
Youth. Nay, there is nothing further, to be sure,
Upon this earth, that wishing can procure :
When I’ve enjoyed a dignity so high
As long as God shall please, then--I must die.
St. P. N, What? must you die! fond youth, and
at the best
But wish, and hope, and may be all the rest P
Take my advice—whatever may betide,
For that which must be, first of all provide,
Then think of that which may be: and, indeed,
When well prepared, who knows what may
succeed ?
But you may be, as you are pleased to hope,
Priest, canon, bishop, cardinal, and pope.
Byrem.