Volume 100 — "THE SHODKIN."
Reading edition
[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.