288 THE FIRESIDE SPHINX 



fine tribute to the memory of Tom of Corpus, a cat 

 who died full of years and honours, widely known 

 and deeply lamented. 



&quot; The Junior Fellow s vows were said ; 

 Among his co-mates and their Head 



His place was fairly set. 

 Of welcome from friends old and new 

 Full dues he had, and more than due ; 

 What could be lacking yet ? 



&quot; One said, The Senior Fellow s vote ! 

 The Senior Fellow, black of coat, 



Save where his front was white, 

 Arose and sniffed the stranger s shoes 

 With critic nose, as ancients use 



To judge mankind aright. 



&quot;I for t was I who tell the tale 

 Conscious of fortune s trembling scale, 



Awaited the decree ; 



But Tom had judged : He loves our race, 

 And, as to his ancestral place, 



He leapt upon my knee. 



&quot; Thenceforth in common-room and hall, 

 A vents socius known to all, 



I came and went and sat, 

 Far from cross fate or envy s reach ; 

 For none a title could impeach 



Accepted by a cat. 



&quot; While statutes changed, and freshmen came, 

 His gait, his wisdom were the same, 

 His age no more than mellow ; 



