"'Tis the prettiest little office that ever you did spy.

The way into my office is by a winding stair,

And I've a many funny things to show you when you're there."

"But I have heard," the client said, "you sport a web and chain,

And he who in your office gets comes not out clear again."

"I'm sure you must be weary, friend, of everlasting dunning;

Come, rest upon my legal wit, my gammon, and my cunning.

I'll get your debt at little cost, so only let me do it;

Or else perhaps the chap will break, and you will have to rue it."

"I'd rather not—I'd rather not," the wary client said;