I started Early -- Took my Dog --

I started Early -- Took my Dog -- And visited the Sea -- The Mermaids in the Basement Came out to look at me --

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 --