I started Early—Took my Dog

And Frigates — in the Upper Floor

Extended Hempen Hands —

Presuming Me to be a Mouse —

Aground — upon the Sands —

But no Man moved Me — till the Tide

Went past my simple Shoe —

And past my Apron — and my Belt —

And past my Bodice — too —

And made as He would eat me up —

As wholly as a Dew

Upon a Dandelion's Sleeve —

And then — I started — too —

And He — He followed — close behind —

I felt his Silver Heel

Upon my Ankle — Then my Shoes

Would overflow with Pearl —

Until We met the Solid Town —

No One He seemed to know —

And bowing — with a Mighty look —

At me — The Sea withdrew —