Serpens, observing all associates own

Obedience to his brother-beast alone,

Waxed parlous wrath, within adumbrate Vale

Bit unsuspecting Mongoose sharp on tail.

“Excuse me Sir,” rejoinder came unshaken,

“Meseems such step’s thaumaston hôs mistaken.

Quid hoc?”—one! two! a momentary flummock—

X (quadruped) sat an Y (snake) his stomach.

“Spt, spt—grr, grr—awk, awkrr,” spluttered latter,

“You mar my meaning monstrously. No matter.