GENESIS

God said, “Let there be Crime,” and the command

Brought Satan, leading Stoneman by the hand.

“Why, that's Stupidity, not Crime,” said God —

“Bring what I ordered.” Satan with a nod

Replied, “This is one element — when I

The other — Opportunity — supply

In just equivalent, the two'll affine

And in a chemical embrace combine

And Crime result — for Crime can only be

Stupiditate of Opportunity.”

So leaving Stoneman ( not as yet endowed

With soul ) in special session on a cloud,

Nick to his sooty laboratory went,

Returning soon with t'other element.

“Here's Opportunity,” he said, and put

Pen, ink, and paper down at Stoneman's foot.

He seized them — Heaven was filled with fires and thunders,

And Crime was added to Creation's wonders!