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 certain prey to teaze --[^a1]The Bliss to cauterize --

[^a1: The certain prey to teaze -- | The certain prey to teaze --]

The Cat reprieves the Mouse
She eases from her teeth
Just long enough for Hope to stir[^a2]teaze --
Then crunches[^a3]mashes it to death --

[^a2: stir | stir]

[^a3: crunches | crunches]

'Tis Life's award -- to die --
Contenteder if once --
Than dying part[^a4]half -- then rallying
For totaller --[^a5]consciouser Eclipse --

[^a4: part | part]

[^a5: totaller -- | totaller --]