That old saying, 'If you don't know, ask' is all right, I suppose, but sometimes the information gleaned is not particularly helpful. I recall one case in particular of a minister, called in an emergency to preach a funeral sermon. The dear departed was a complete stranger, and after the service was well under way, the preacher realized to his horror that he had even neglected to inquire as to the sex of the corpse. The name, unfortunately, was one of those trick cognomens that yielded no help, and the meager notes were not enlightening.
In a cold sweat, the minister proceeded as diplomatically as possible, trying to avoid an incriminating declaration. But finally he came to a point where he simply had to know. So while the choir sang, he beckoned a nearby mourner, pointed to the casket, and whispered hoarsely, 'Brother or sister?'
The mourner answered, 'Cousin!'
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