The Whole of it came not at once --
'Twas Murder by degrees --
A Thrust -- and then for Life a chance --
The Bliss to cauterize --
The Cat reprieves the Mouse
She eases from her teeth
Just long enough for Hope to tease --
Then mashes it to death --
'Tis Life's award -- to die --
Contenteder if once --
Than dying half -- then rallying
For consciouser Eclipse --
