THE THREE MICE

THREE mice—three sightless mice—averse from strife,

Peaceful descendants of the Armenian race,

Intent on finding some secluded place

Wherein to pass their inoffensive life;

How little dreamt they of that farmer's wife—

The Porte's malicious minion—giving chase,

And in a moment—ah, the foul disgrace!—

Shearing their tails off with a carving-knife!

And oh, my unemotional countrymen,