THE POPE AND THE NET

What, he on whom our voices unanimously ran,

Made Pope at our last Conclave? Full low his life began:

His father earned the daily bread as just a fisherman.

So much the more his boy minds book, gives proof of mother-wit,

Becomes first Deacon, and the Priest, then Bishop: see him sit

No less than Cardinal ere long, while no one cries ‘Unfit!’

But someone smirks, some other smiles, jogs elbow and nods head:

Each winks at each:??I-faith, a rise! Saint Peter’s net, instead

Of sword and keys, is come in vogue!’ You think he blushes red?

Not he, of humble holy heart! ‘Unworthy me!’ he sighs:

‘From fisher’s drudge to Church’s prince — it is indeed a rise:

So, here’s my way to keep the fact forever in my eyes!’

And straightway in his palace-hall, where commonly is set

Some coat-of-arms, some portraiture ancestral, lo, we met

His mean estate’s remainder in his fisher-father’s net!

Which step conciliates all and some, stops cavil in a trice:

‘The humble holy heart that holds of new-born pride no spice!

He’s just the saint to choose for Pope!’ Each adds, ??Tis my advice.’

So, Pope he was: and when we flocked — its sacred slipper on —

To kiss his foot, we lifted eyes, alack, the thing was gone —

That guarantee of lowlihead, — eclipsed that star which shone!

Each eyed his fellow, one and all kept silence. I cried ‘Pish!

I’ll make me spokesman for the rest, express the common wish.

Why, Father, is the net removed?’ ‘Son, it hath caught the fish.’