O Wolf, I do not dread thee as of yore,

Time was when I would tremble in my shoes

At sight of thee—when lo! my pity’ng Muse

Brought me wherewith to drive thee from the door.

And since at last, O Wolf, my waning store

Has lured thee back, she will not now refuse

My invocation. So I cannot choose

But cry, “Help! Wolf!” that she may come once more.

Mine is a Muse that listens with disdain

To any call save that of appetite;