Sonnet: Before He Went

BEFORE he went to feed with owls and bats Nebuchadnezzar had an ugly dream, Worse than an Hus'if's when she thinks her cream Made a Naumachia for mice and rats. So scared, he sent for that 'Good King of Cats' Young Daniel, who soon did pluck away the beam From out his eye, and said he did not deem The sceptre worth a straw his Cushions old door-mats. A horrid nightmare similar somewhat Of late has haunted a most motley crew, Most loggerheads and Chapmen we are told That any Daniel tho' he be a sot Can make the lying lips turn pale of hue By belching out 'ye are that head of Gold.'