Bought a section of fuel line and bypassed the fuel pump. Removed and cleaned the plugs. Cranked the engine several times w/o plugs to eject all liquid from the combustion chambers. Reinstalled plugs and cranked 'er up.
Voorroooom!
Engine sprang to life and ran like normal. Mowed some leaves in 40 MPH winds just to satisfy myself. After cleaning leaf matter out of my ears, I was satisfied and quite happy to have my mower back among the living.
Sincere
thanks to all for your advice on the pump and carb cleaner, etc.