It was many and many a year ago,
In a District styled E.C.,
That a monster dwelt whom I came to know
By the name of Cannibal Flea;
And the brute was possessed with no other thought
Than to live,—and to live on me!
II.
I was in bed, and he was in bed,
In the District named E.C.,
When first in his thirst, so accursed he burst