The Book of Cats. 265 



we suspect him of hypocrisy, and expect that 

 presently he will throw off the mask and assume 

 his proper colours. By the way of allusion to a 

 Cat on the stage, I think I can quote one of the 

 most effective pieces that have been spoken. 



Do any of my readers remember Robson acting 

 in the burlesque of Medea ? Upon the night of 

 its production Ristori went to the Olympic to see 

 his travestie of her great character. One of the 

 finest passages in the tragedy is that in which 

 Medea describes how like a tigress she will spring 

 upon her intended victim. In Robert Brough's 

 version the tigress is turned into a Cat, and 

 Robson, with one of his intensely passionate 

 bursts, used words, as well as I can recollect (I 

 have not got a book by me), something after this 

 fashion : — 



" How will I, eh ? The way the Cat jumps 

 Upon a simple unsuspecting mouse 

 Loose in the pantry, — no one in the house, — 

 Nibbling away, with confidence unshaken, 

 Eating his cheese up first to save his bacon. 

 She's in no hurry. With dilating eyes, 

 And undulating tail, she crouching lies, 

 Till his enjoyments crises he is at, 

 Then pounce ! she makes a spring, and has him — pat. 

 To a short game of pitch and toss she treats him — 

 Tears him to pieces slowly— scrun'CH — then eats him." 



