Black Beetles in Amber

The Devil stood before the gate

Of Heaven. He had a single mate:

Behind him, in his shadow, slunk

Clay Sheets in a perspiring funk.

"Saint Peter, see this season ticket,"

Said Satan; "pray undo the wicket."

The sleepy Saint threw slight regard

Upon the proffered bit of card,

Signed by some clerical dead-beats:

"Admit the bearer and Clay Sheets."

Peter expanded all his eyes:

"'Clay Sheets?'—well, I'll be damned!" he cries.

"Our couches are of golden cloud;

Nothing of earth is here allowed.

I'll let you in," he added, shedding

On Nick a smile—"but not your bedding."