"Once upon a midnight dreary, while I slumbered, weak and weary,
After reading many a curious volume I had read before—
While I nodded, nearly sleeping, suddenly there came a creeping,
As of tiny paw-pads keeping quiet passage 'cross the floor.
“'Tis my kitty,” then I muttered, “creeping softly 'cross the floor—
Only this, and nothing more.”