The Worm and the Deaconess

A Fable

A worm, once, on a Deaconess' neck, began to crawl and squirm.

Whereon, she bade the butler to fetch out the serpent.

Whereon, the Deaconess is pawed over by her servant.

"But what are you doing, wretch?" "Madame, squashing the

worm."

Now, should a worm crawl on thy neck, O Reader, look thou

to it:

Squash him thyself; don't let the butler do it.