Nicodemus Boggs was named
By scripture-loving aunts,
Though never for that virtue famed
Was Demus—— till by chance
His mind was turned to churchly choice,
And then one solemn night
He heard an otherworldly voice
Which put him in a fright
Call
——“Nicodemus! Nico-de-mus!
Nic-o-de-mus Boggs!”
Although there were some folks blasphemous
Who said ’twas only frogs;
Be that however as it may,
To Demus ’twas a sign;
So forthwith he began to pray
And talk of things divine.
Of course ’twas given him to know
Without a studied mind;
His tongue was loosened and the flow
Of words left wit behind.
Yet strange to say no church was moved
His parish to become,
Though Demus said it only proved
The church was deaf and dumb.
For certainly the call was plain,
As often half-asleep
He heard the selfsame voice again
In solemn tones and deep
Urge
——“Nicodemus! Nic-o-de-mus!
Nic-o-de-mus-s Bog-g-s!”
Although there were some folks blasphemous
Who said ’twas only frogs.
Be that as each opined, ’tis sure
With Demus soon it turned
To ague, and the only cure
For flesh which froze or burned,
The doctor ordered, was to drain
The hollow in the rear
Where Demus lived; for while in vain
He followed his career
Of human welfare, there had lain
The most neglected near.
’Twas remedied and ne’er again
Did Nicodemus hear
The voice which had become so famous
For back-door croaks and frogs
Call
——“Nicodemus! Nic-o-de-mus!
Nic-o-de-mus-s Bog-g-s!”