XIII. Death.

DEATH is like the insect
        Menacing the tree,
Competent to kill it,
        But decoyed may be.

Bait it with the balsam,
        Seek it with the knife,
Baffle, if it cost you
        Everything in life.

Then, if it have burrowed
        Out of reach of skill,
Ring the tree and leave it, --
        'T is the vermin's will.