Page:Bierce - Collected Works - Volume 04.djvu/94

88 "The dead in Christ rise first, 'tis writ," Quoth he—"ick, bick, ban, doe,—I'm It!"

(His headstone, footstone, counted slow, Were "ick" and "bick," he "ban" and "doe"

Of beating Nick the subtle art Was part of his immortal part.)

Then straight to Heaven he took his flight, Arriving at the Gates of Light.

There Warden Peter, in the throes Of sleep, lay roaring in the nose.

"Get up, you sluggard!" Dana cried— "I've an engagement there inside."

The Saint arose and scratched his head. "I recollect your face," he said,

"(And, pardon me, 'tis rather hard) But" Dana handed him a card.

"Ah, yes, I now remember—bless My soul, how dull I am!—yes, yes,