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Now came the Minister of War
And said: “I recommend
That one of our old generals
God’s office should attend.
“Inured to regulation,
He will subordinate
His will to our Tsar’s wishes,—
Save money for the State.
“The one who is best suited
Is Marshal Comispeer,
For he can fill the peasants
With terror and with fear.
“And then, as greater safeguard,
To the outfit we may add
Some clever literary
And theologic lad.
“Thus we will Church and Army
Bring under one command,
And discipline the Clergy—
That contumacious band.”
The Minister of Safety,
Devoid of argument,
As last, sent his proposal,
A well sealed document—
Since the police in darkness
Delights to prowl and prey
In surreptitious manner,
It shuns the light of day.
[55]
