3. The Story Begins (1/2)

the story begins

as the train pulled away from the station, ratigan's heart sank. his only friend was leaving.

"he'll be back," ratigan reminded himself.

he had other worries. how was he to get enough money to eat? he considered petty theft, but he couldn't

ing himself to steal.

"i know what they think of me because i don't look like them," he rhetorically commented. "i won't prove them right! those mice are going to see me as equal! if i become a thief, they'll always see me as inferior! i'll starve first!"

ratigan thought hard as he walked. finally, he came to the conclusion that although it would hurt his pride dreadfully, he had no choice but to find a way to beg for money. was there a way besides asking strangers to spare a shilling? sitting on a park bench, he placed his hat beside him as he desperately tried to find an idea. the words of an old melody came to his mind and softly escaped his unwitting lips:

at the tavern i'm in,

the patrons all cheer,

laughing as they play cards,

shoot dice, and drink beer.

they rejoice in mirth;

my head hangs in chagrin

and tears fill my eyes

at the toll of big ben

at the toll of big ben

just one hour past

we shared a warm em

ace,

but it was our last.

with soft, gentle words

she has shattered my heart.

her voice was so kind

as she tore me apart.

i knew she was too

ave

to start to complain

about the lifetime she

spent waiting in vain.

she wanted my love;

i committed a crime:

i've

oken her heart,

but for the final time.

though i promised to change,

i still had to pay.

there was no final kiss

as she walked away,