Clarissa: If only Jane were here!
What shall I do?
Mouse: Dear lady, have no fear!
As I was saying, doubtless you’ve heard tell
How once a Mountain bore a Mouse-child. Well,
I was that Child! Or rather, to be more
Strictly veracious, ’twas my Ancestor;
And sometimes when I dream of deeds Titanic
I think that Mountain must have been Volcanic!
So have no fear! If any one should dare
Molest you, I am here beneath your chair,
Ready to spring—
Clarissa: Mercy! I wonder why
It squeaks like that! It’s crazy! I shall die
If it—
Mouse: Sweet lady! Though I cannot guess
From your queer speech the cause of your distress,
Your voice, quite meaningless to my Mouse ear,
Is strangely sweet and musical and clear;
And, though they violate our beauty-laws,
I never saw such shapely hinder paws
As yours, so smooth and beautiful to see,
So silky white, like sticks of celery.
Upon each side a tender sprig of gold—
Gold as pure Cheese, and toothsome to behold—
Climbs up and up! ’Tis called, so I am told
By Mice more versed in lady-lore, a Clock.
Once, it is said, a Mouse named Dickery Dock
Ran up the—
Clarissa: Ouch!!!
Mouse: I wonder if I dare!
Only the brave deserve—
Clarissa: O Lord! This chair
Is giving way! If it should break!—What’s that?
It’s Purrline’s mew! Here, Puss! Puss!—
Mouse: What? The Cat!
I’d love to meet him! But it’s getting late.
My wife’s expecting me. I musn’t wait!
(Exit)
Purrline: Me-ouw!