THE CAT TRIUMPHANT 161 



which the Ettrick Shepherd fancied to vibrate in 

 every scale. Two cats, systematically separated 

 by him from all other companionship, did their 

 love-making silently, only a faint amorous purr or 

 sigh betraying the nature of their emotions. Those 

 clarion notes, those long wailing sobs, associated 

 with feline dalliance, are rather calls to the absent, 

 vituperations of rival suitors, jealous upbraidings, 

 protestations of innocence, clangorous summons 

 to battle, and paeans of victory over a routed foe. 

 Courtship, without these attendant agitations, must 

 be rather a colourless affair. To woo in a corner, 

 instead of in a tournament, is dull work for a spirited 

 cat. 



For that Puss is, above all things, a hunter and 

 a fighter must never be forgotten nor ignored. 

 Little beast of prey unwearyingly pursuing her 

 quarry, little denizen of woods and caves installed 

 under our roofs, and softened into domesticity, 

 the cat has retained her wild instincts through 

 centuries of repression. Chosen companion of stu 

 dents, valued friend of careful housewives, and 

 genius of the quiet fireside, she gives to man, in 

 return for his protection, nothing but her gracious 

 presence by his hearth. The serenity of her habit 

 ual attitude, which veils a stubborn fierceness of 

 soul, her indolent enjoyment of cushioned ease and 

 warmth, have endeared her naturally to men of 



