The Shadow of Nag

Alt. Title: The Dance With Death

At the hole where he went in
Red-Eye called to Wrinkle-Skin.
Hear what little Red-Eye saith:
"Nag, come up and dance with death!''

Eye to eye and head to head,
(Keep the measure, Nag.)
This shall end when one is dead;
(At thy pleasure, Nag.)
Turn for turn and twist for twist-
(Run and hide thee, Nag.)
Hah! The hooded Death has missed!
(Woe betide thee, Nag!)
~Rikki-Tikki-Tavi, Rudyard Kipling

If I'd thought about it a little more, I'd have put Darzee in too. From the best short story ever.
Characters (probably) © Rudyard Kipling (might be public domain, but I'll play the safe side)
Image © Me