Black Beetles in Amber

God said, "Let there be Crime," and the command

Brought Satan, leading Stoneman by the hand.

"Why, that's Stupidity, not Crime," said God—

"Bring what I ordered." Satan with a nod

Replied, "This is one element—when I

The other—Opportunity—supply

In just equivalent, the two'll affine

And in a chemical embrace combine

And Crime result—for Crime can only be

Stupiditate of Opportunity."

So leaving Stoneman (not as yet endowed

With soul) in special session on a cloud,

Nick to his sooty laboratory went,

Returning soon with t'other element.

"Here's Opportunity," he said, and put

Pen, ink, and paper down at Stoneman's foot.

He seized them—Heaven was filled with fires and thunders,

And Crime was added to Creation's wonders!