The mouse that gnawed the oak-tree down br Began his task in early life. br He kept so busy with his teeth br He had no time to take a wife. br br He gnawed and gnawed through sun and rain br When the ambitious fit was on, br Then rested in the sawdust till br A month of idleness had gone. br br He did not move about to hunt br The coteries of mousie-men. br He was a snail-paced, stupid thing br Until he cared to gnaw again. br br The mouse that gnawed the oak-tree down, br When that tough foe was at his feet— br Found in the stump no angel-cake br Nor buttered bread, nor cheese, nor meat— br The forest-roof let in the sky. br “This light is worth the work,” said he. br “I’ll make this ancient swamp more light,” br And started on another tree.