Emily Dickinson — The Whole of it came not at once

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