Small gnats that fly 
In hot July 
And lodge in sleeping ears, 
Can rouse therein 
A trumpet's din 
With Day-of-Judgement fears. 


Small mice at night 
Can wake more fright 
Than lions at midday. 
An urchin small 
Torments us all 
Who tread his prickly way. 


A straw will crack 
The camel's back, 
To die we need but sip, 
So little sand 
As fills the hand 
Can stop a steaming ship. 


One smile relieves 
A heart that grieves 
Though deadly sad it be, 
And one hard look 
Can close the book 
That lovers love to see--