762 br br The Whole of it came not at once— br 'Twas Murder by degrees— br A Thrust—and then for Life a chance— br The Bliss to cauterize— br br The Cat reprieves the Mouse br She eases from her teeth br Just long enough for Hope to tease— br Then mashes it to death— br br 'Tis Life's award—to die— br Contenteder if once— br Than dying half—then rallying br For consciouser Eclipse—br br Emily Dickinsonbr br