I was in bed, and he was in bed

In the District named E. C.,

When first in his thirst so accurst he burst

Upon me, the Cannibal Flea,

With a bite that felt as if some one had driven

A bayonet into me.

And this was the reason why long ago

In that District named E. C.

I tumbled out of my bed, willing

To capture the Cannibal Flea,