English Satires

by Unknown

XVII.

But ere he could return to his repose,

A cherub flapp'd his right wing o'er his eyes—

At which Saint Peter yawn'd and rubb'd his nose;

"Saint porter," said the angel, "prithee rise!"

Waving a goodly wing, which glow'd, as glows

An earthly peacock's tail, with heavenly dyes;

To which the Saint replied, "Well, what's the matter?

Is Lucifer come back with all this clatter?"