a pious meditation on the comparative dignity of souls

By Diogenes ( articles ) | Oct 10, 2004

Last week, a Hampden County, Massachusetts prosecutor indicted Bishop Thomas L. Dupre for child rape with two boys.... However, within hours, District Attorney William M. Bennett withdrew the indictment. Why? Apparently, because Dupre's attorneys filed papers arguing that the statute of limitations had run out. ...The facts, as set out in the indictment, were horrifying. According to the indictment, Dupre showed two boys pornography, gave them alcohol, and sexually penetrated them. Each boy was victimized over a five-year period, with a two-year overlap.

The Prelate's Prayer

The LODE is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?
The LODE is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
He hath developed boundaries unto my feet, memoranda for his name's sake.
Though my vicar be ravished by Moab, pronged by the sons of Gomorrah,
Mine insurance is paid, and my heart shall not fear.
Amalekites encamp against me, and Acolytes encumber my couch,
Yet my right hand forgetteth not its cunning,
And my sheets shall be changed of a Monday.
One thing have I desired of the LODE, that I seek;
That I may linger in his workshops all the days of my life,
Nor flatten the learning curve of my liability:
"Thou art a priest for ever, in the order of the Essex Appellate Court,
What matter that thy sins are scarlet, if thine hat be also?"
And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me:
Therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy;
I will sing, I will sing praises unto the LODE.
For he hath made firm my word, plausible my deniability.
Though my housekeeper witness against me, the Globe will take me up.
Teach me thy protocols, O LODE, and lead me in a plain path.
I acknowledge mine offense; my misconduct is before me always,
But thy statute of limitations shall deliver me. Selah.