The World’s Wit and Humor: An Encyclopedia in 15 Volumes. 1906.
Sam Walter Foss (18581911)The Prayer of Cyrus Brown
“T
Said Deacon Lemuel Keyes,
“And the only proper attitude,
Is down upon his knees.”
Said Reverend Doctor Wise,
“Is standing straight, with outstretched arms,
And rapt and upturned eyes.”
“Such posture is too proud:
A man should pray with eyes fast closed
And head contritely bowed.”
Austerely clasped in front,
With both thumbs pointing toward the ground,”
Said Reverend Doctor Blunt.
Head first,” said Cyrus Brown,
“With both my heels a-stickin’ up,
My head a-p’inting down;
Best prayer I ever said,
The prayingest prayer I ever prayed,
A-standing on my head.”