Poems on Several Occasions :: :: University of Virginia Library

“Unhappy Maid! within this wiry cave,
“Death's certain summons doom'd, alas, to wait!
“Shall curst Grimalkin's guts prove Muzzy's grave;
“So young!—In Pleasure's Spring to meet my fate?

“Those jet-bead eyes, that fir'd Beholders' hearts,
“This velvet skin, small ears, and needle claws!
“Those whiskers, (often stil'd Love's keenest darts)
“Must they be crush'd within a Murderer's jaws?

“Was it for this, with daintiest morsels fed,
“From the scoop'd cheese, or bacon's tasteful side,
“Mamma with tenderness her Muzzy bred,
“Clasp'd me, and call'd me still her Little Pride?

“Oft wou'd she cry—“My dear, my best-lov'd care,
“Touch not your prey, 'till well the place you scan;
“Grimalkin!—Of that monster, oh beware!—
“And that more savage two-legg'd monster Man.”

“I—wretched I—unheedful of her love,
“My duty's forfeit now untimely pay;
“Be warn'd by me, nor thus rebellious prove,
“Ye Mice!—but ah!—your Parents' lore obey.

122

“To poor Papa had this sad hour been giv'n,
“How wou'd the sight his tender bosom wound!
“But poor Papa—(such the high will of Heav'n!)
“Last April-day was in a cream-bowl drown'd.

“Where now those gay coquettish breezes?—where?
“That erst so many youthful hearts have won?
“In swarms to Muzzy's hole wont to repair,
“And swear her beauties far outshone the sun.

“They call'd me Goddess:—Said, “My frown or smile
“Cou'd save or doom to Death the nibbling breed;”
“Ye mortal Goddesses of Albion's Isle,
“Oh! think—Ev'n Goddess Muzzy's doom'd to bleed.

“And must I die? No more Squeakero's strain
“(Squeakero! loveliest youth of youthful Mice!)
“Shall flatt'ring homage pay—in hopes to gain
“That heart, whose worth he swore was past all price.

“His lengthen'd tail!—but, ah, that tail no more,
“Nor hero's form again shall bless my sight;
“His wit, which set the table on a roar,
“Poor Muzzy's soul shall ne'er again delight.

“How oft, Squeakero, have you vow'd—“No pow'r
“On earth from your embrace shou'd Muzzy tear;”
“Let not Grimalkin's spiked jaws devour,
“But from this horrid cave your Muzzy bear.

123

“Methinks the fell devourer I espy,
“With eyes, like fiery suns, that flash forth dread;
“And tail, like threat'ning comet, rais'd on high,
“And giant paw, prepar'd to strike me dead.

“No Parent, Lover, Friend, at that sad hour,
“On Lightning's wings to fly with vengeful aid!
“And can ye—can ye let the Fiend devour,
“Ah me!—your Darling—your poor Little Maid?

“Squeakero! Parent! Friends!—like Lightning fly,
“Bring armies—quick—tear, rend this hated jail:
“No Parent, Lover, Friend, alas, is nigh—
“Nor cou'd whole Armies in this case avail.

“Ah no! Mamma!—Squeakero! come not near,
“Lest your fond hearts should break to see me thus:
“To your wise precepts had I lent an ear,
“Poor Muzzy had not fallen a prey to Puss.

“The Bait, which but a few short minutes past
“So tempting,—now how hateful to mine eyes!
“Repentance oft attends a liquorish taste;
“From Muzzy's fate, learn, Maidens, to be wise.

“A certain Judgment (such Heav'n's wise decree)
“Attends the Wretch who not a Parent hears;
“But hark—the dreadful latch is rais'd—and see—
“Have mercy, Heav'n!—a Two-legg'd Fiend “appears.”

124

She said—and, trembling, sweeps the wires;—when, lo!
Murd'rous Grimalkin, darting baleful fires,
Enters the room:—All Nature feels the blow;
Poor Muzzy squeaks—and with a nip expires.