And so, unless the former were restrained by stringent law,
Each shrine they swore would quickly cease its worshippers to draw.
Then stepped an ancient beauty forth, and thus to Mike descanted:
“Our sex was painted long before paint was for pictures wanted;
As for myself, how can it hurt a clergyman or saint,
If the crows’-feet beneath my eyes I cover up with paint?
In keeping up my beauteous looks I cannot see a crime;
In spite of them I’ll still repair the ravages of time.”
St. Michael scratched his pate awhile, then, looking very wise,
Said: “Dames and monks, let me suggest, I pray, a compromise.