Page:Conversion of St Vladimir.pdf/60

 “It is my sincere opinion,”

Said the Minister of Laws,

“That in all of our announcements

We insert the following clause:

“For the rabble, in it’s folly

Might betray the royal court—

Perjure itself, disobey us—

Of the Tsar make wanton sport.”

She may choose as an assistant,

Which they gladly will permit

Perhaps a howling dervish,

Or some wily Jesuit.

He slyly calculated

That he would soon control

Widow, as well as office—

Which was his secret goal.