Fate threw him on the fish call'd "Many-feet."

He purchased it and drest it; and the whole,

Bate me the head, form'd but a single swallow.

A crudity ensued—the doctor came,

And the first glance inform'd him things went wrong.

And "Friend," quoth he, "if thou hast aught to set

In order, to it straight;—pass but seven hours,

And thou and life must take a long farewell."

"I've nought to do," replied the bard: "all's right

And tight about me—nothing's in confusion—