The Whole of it came not at once lyrics
by Emily Dickinson
762
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