A list of parish duties stood upon the mantel-shelf,
As binding as the decalogue, so all-embracing that
The bishop had to keep the step, when guest of Father Pat.
He’d argue till the cows came home, and never know a doubt;
But when he “showed the p’liteness,” it was then, my boy, look out!
He’d lay the shoneen[[7]] by the heels, and shake him like a rat;
He wasn’t worth a straw, bedad, when trimmed by Father Pat.
His sermons were tremendous things, and thunder-bolts would drop;
The trouble with poor Father Pat was when and how to stop.
Theology? don’t mention it! he’d talk the bishop flat;