Even as it was, so closely came each pellet
That as it passed I could distinctly smell it.
Thanks, courteous trap, for rescue in the nick;
But what a silly man to fire so quick.
So far so good, but doubtless he has reckoned
On “dropping me superbly with his second”
(This sporting euphemism consoles the worst shots
For missing quite absurdly with their first shots).
But I won’t budge an inch, and, if he tries,
He’ll find it hard to drop me till I rise.