Of this wisdom an example To the world was Master Laempel. For this cause, to Max and Maurice This man was the chief of horrors; For a boy who loves bad tricks Wisdom's friendship never seeks. With the clerical profession Smoking always was a passion; And this habit without question, While it helps promote digestion, Is a comfort no one can Well begrudge a good old man, When the day's vexations close, And he sits to seek repose.-- Max and Maurice, flinty-hearted, On another trick have started; Thinking how they may attack a Poor old man through his tobacco. Once, when Sunday morning breaking, Pious hearts to gladness waking, Poured its light where, in the temple, At his organ sate Herr Laempel, [Illustration] These bad boys, for mischief ready, Stole into the good man's study, Where his darling meerschaum stands. This, Max holds in both his hands; [Illustration] While young Maurice (scapegrace born!) Climbs, and gets the powderhorn, And with speed the wicked soul Pours the powder in the bowl. Hush, and quick! now, right about! For already church is out. [Illustration] Laempel closes the church-door, Glad to seek his home once more; [Illustration] All his service well got through, Takes his keys, and music too, And his way, delighted, wends Homeward to his silent friends. Full of gratitude he there Lights his pipe, and takes his chair. [Illustration] [Illustration] "Ah!" he says, "no joy is found Like contentment on earth's round!" [Illustration] Fizz! whizz! bum! The pipe is burst, Almost shattered into dust. Coffee-pot and water-jug, Snuff-box, ink-stand, tumbler, mug, Table, stove, and easy-chair, All are flying through the air In a lightning-powder-flash, With a most tremendous crash. [Illustration] When the smoke-cloud lifts and clears, Laempel on his back appears; God be praised! still breathing there, Only somewhat worse for wear. [Illustration] Nose, hands, eyebrows (once like yours), Now are black as any Moor's; Burned the last thin spear of hair, And his pate is wholly bare. Who shall now the children guide, Lead their steps to wisdom's side? Who shall now for Master Laempel Lead the service in the temple? Now that his old pipe is out, Shattered, smashed, _gone up the spout_? [Illustration] Time will heal the rest once more, But the pipe's best days are o'er.