The Whole of it came not at once

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The Whole of it came not at once-
'Twas Murder by degrees-
A Thrust-and then for Life a chance-
The Bliss to cauterize-

The Cat reprieves the Mouse
She eases from her teeth
Just long enough for Hope to tease-
Then mashes it to death-

'Tis Life's award-to die-
Contenteder if once-
Than dying half-then rallying
For consciouser Eclipse-