284 THE FIRESIDE SPHINX 



values most those precise qualities which outrage 

 the sensibilities .of the Saxon. He respects the 

 spirit which meets him on equal ground, and he 

 prizes the temperate and mutable affection which he 

 must constantly labour to retain. When an Eng- 

 lishman fully recognizes the cattish nature, he is 

 apt, unless he be as tolerant and as little of a despot 

 as Mr. Arnold, to resent its cold serenity, its mor- 

 tifying indifference, — to resent it with the frank- 

 ness of Mr. Arthur Benson in his admirable verses 

 upon 



THE CAT. 



" On some grave business, soft and slow, 

 Along the garden-paths you go, 



With bold and burning eyes : 

 Or stand, with twitching tail, to mark 

 What starts and rustles in the dark, 



Among the peonies. 



" The dusty cockchafer that springs 

 Upon the dusk with whirring wings, 



The beetle, glossy-horned, 

 The rabbit pattering through the fern, 

 May frisk unheeded, by your stern 

 Preoccupation scorned. 



" You all day long, beside the fire, 

 Retrace in dreams your dark desire, 



And mournfully complain 

 In grave displeasure, if I raise 

 Your languid form to pet or praise ; 



And so to sleep again. 



