Like snakes' backbones in unelastic curl;
By prison-bars his wished retreat is foiled,
And in a cage behold the trembling churl.
"Still mad with terror at his grievous plight,
He lifts a foot, as though to kick at last;
When, lo! his leg goes through an op'ning slight,
And there two wiry circles hold it fast.
"He plunges, staggers, tries to tear the bands
Which make that woman's Skeleton complete;
Then reeleth blindly unto where she stands,