There came a sound of splintering wood, in burst the oaken door,

And steady streams of starving men to right and left did pour.

I found myself surrounded by a "sea of upturned faces,"

Who howled in piteous tones for food, while rushing to their places.

One called me here, one hauled me there; each handed me his plate;

I hurried up the hall and down, and staggered 'neath my freight;

Confused and stunned, on every hand I let the viands fall;

I heard the wicked creatures swear, but heeded not at all.

As when, at home, full oft I bore the pail with willing feet

Out to the pen where sluggish swine were turning corn to meat,

And when the golden orb was low and shining through the cracks,

The sifted sunshine trembled on the porkers' sturdy backs,

I filled the ample trough brimful with all the family swill,

And called each little pig by name, to come and take his fill.

Then rushed they all with eager squeal to share the rich repast;