It must verily burst, when the safety-valve opes

And the vapour unfettered from darkness elopes.

So it was with the monk; had his cough not dispersed,

Sure his lungs from the pressure had certainly burst.

"Hush!" said Murphy; "what's that?"

"Oh, 'tis naught but the cat,"

Said the dame, while her voice seemed confusing:

"She has been there all day,

And is most like at play

With her kittens, who are so amusing."