Page:The Bab Ballads.djvu/127

 At length his brawny knees gave way,
 * And on the carpet sinking,

Upon his shapeless back he lay
 * And kicked away like winking.
 * Instead of seeing in his state
 * The finger of unswerving Fate,
 * He laboured still
 * To work his will,
 * And kicked away like winking.

His friends, disgusted with him now,
 * Away in silence wended—

I hardly like to tell you how
 * This dreadful story ended.
 * The shocking sequel to impart,
 * I must employ the limner's art—
 * If you would know,
 * This sketch will show
 * How his exertions ended.