Said Agib, "Oh! accursed of your kind,
I have heard that ye are men of evil mind!"
Beth gave a dreadful shriek—
But before he'd time to speak
I was mercilessly collared from behind.
In number ten or twelve, or even more,
They fastened me, full length, upon the floor.
On my face extended flat,
I was walloped with a cat,
For listening at the keyhole of a door.