The Flyting of Prob and Perh

MISCELLANY The Flyting of Prob and Perh They met in the Editors' Manual Where all of the Rules are laid down, Two highly contentious Labels Each claiming the right to the Crown In the place where the Law is laid down. In Etymological brackets [Whose symbol is Squareness and Truth] They fought for a place in the Outcome, Each feeling himself the more couth, The one who came closer to Truth. The Editor, caught in the Quand'ry, But DAREingly "doing one's best" To make the considered decision Was trapped in the Warrior's geste! Was Prob or was Perh to use best? The heroes, now caught in their Flyting, And each sticking up for his Rights, Square off for a battle loquacious Insulting the other's insights Both wringing and wronging their Rights. Says Prob, you're too timid and shifty. Why can't you get on with thejob? With Evidence mosdy in favor, You poor, pusillanimous slob, The label is Prob for thisjob. Says Perh, you're too hurried and hasty, Too sure your position is right. You secretly think there's no Question, You bland, hypocritical Blight — You'd like to say flatly, "I'm right!" And so as the Editors boggle Like Umpires caught in the dirt When Choice must be made willy-nilly, To see that nobody gets hurt, They setde for [Etym uncert]. Frederic G. Cassidy ...