Part VI

Next day, at early hour, the old man called
Upon the woman. — "Well, 'how is your guest?"
He asks her eagerly, — "but Brrr! 't is cold!
Quick, build a fire! Must I forever swear?
I stand for all expense! But — by the way, —
You didn't tell. Is it a boy or girl?"

— "It is a boy. a strong and healthy boy.
Yes. sir, a finer boy I never saw."
"So much the better. In eight years from now,
He'll be as fine a thief as was the one
"Who with our Jesus Christ was crucified.
I'll take his education in my hands,
And make of him the most successful thief.
That far-famed thief, who but few days ago
Upon the gallows died. — (You knew Blind Tom?
I brought him up! There was a clever thief!
On one eye blind himself, a thousand eyes
"Watched all in vain when Blind Tom was aroused.
My boy, fear naught. I swear I'll not make you
A swineherd or some common thing like that!
But, my good woman, I almost forgot!
The boy must have a decent Christian name!

A name which he'll make famed throughout

the world.
Come, dear old girl, help me to find a name.
On Saint Sylvester eve I found the boy
Why not give him that name? Let's baptize him,
Let him a Christian, not a heathen be.
Saint Peter at the gate, when once my boy'
Casts off his mortal coil, must find no fault.
I'll be the Priest, the god-mother you'll be.
Is there some water in that pot? There is.
Come, hold the boy, — but no! The priestly garb
Is most essential; wait. There is that bag,
I hang it as a cassock 'round my neck."
And then with mock solemnity, the boy
Was jocularly christened and received
Sylvester as his first and lawful name.