Sicut dixit mima episcopo . . .

"I can’t show you, as the actress said to the bishop."

—Kingsley Amis, Lucky Jim (1954)

The bishop to the actress said,

"It wasn't meant to be this way!

If I lived in the great Louis’ day

I'd be an atheist abbé.

But since I don't, I waste my lines

And spoil my inoffensive rhymes,

Asking too much of better times;

Now love has left me, yet unread!”

To this the doubting girl replied,

“There’s reason on the nighttime side

To be remitted? No, indeed!

It's Real Presence that you need.

A rose has thorns. So it may prick.

A throbbing thumb can make you sick!"

Sunday, September 21, 2025