"Surely," said I, "surely that is a grimalkin at my lattice.

Let me see if it stray cat is, and this mystery explore;

Where's that stick? Ah! wait a moment: I'll this mystery explore;

It shall worry me no more!"

Open here I flung the shutter, when, with many a smirk and flutter,

In there popped a perky Jackdaw, yapping, miauling as before

(Queer mimetic noises made he), for no introduction stayed he,

But, with plumage sleek, yet shady, perched above my study door,—

Perched upon a bust of GLADSTONE placed above my study door,—

Perched, and croaked "Obstructive Bore!"