When a Childe awake at nighttime lies,
   fearing the dark beneath the nest,
   Mothers whisper calming thoughts
   in little Mouse's ear:

"Remember ye these words, my sons,
   said truly by King Mouse of Socks."

"Though we Mice one day to Dust return,
   take comfort in the living Pen,
   that writes our story on and on,
   and tells the Tale of this wee Den,
   
   that no Mouse nor Man shall ever perish:
   this book no Mouse nor Man shall ever finish."