[In a Jewish divorce case it was alleged that the petitioner
and respondent had been brought together by a "Shodkin." The
Shodkin, it was explained, was a person who brought about
marriages between members of the Jewish community, and was
paid a fee by one or both the parties.]

"I thank thee, Jew, for teaching me that word."--_Merchant of Venice_.

"Give me new rhymes," the poet cries,
"I want another rhyme for 'bodkin,'"
And here comes dropping from the skies
That comfortable word, "the Shodkin."

Long have I racked my brain for rhymes,
I tried to drag in Mr. GODKIN;
On Friday last I read my _Times_,
_Eureka!_ down it goes--the Shodkin.

We live by verse, and how shall we
This Hebrew middle-man disparage,
To whom religion grants a fee,
Paid by both sides, for making marriage?

Nay, Jew, we thank thee for the word,
For Fate two Jews might haply sever;
The busy Shodkin comes as third,
And swiftly makes them one for ever.

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