The Whole of it came not at once

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 —