THE CAT TO-DAY 287 



" And then his nature, how impressionable, 

 How quickly moved to Collie mirth or woe, 

 Elated or dejected at a word, 

 And how unlike your genuine Vere de Vere." 



But all this time, from an open window, 



"A great Angora watched his Collieship, 

 And, throned in monumental calm, surveyed 

 His effervescence, volatility, 

 Clamour on slight occasions, fussiness, 

 Herself immobile, imperturbable." 



It is the unchanging and passionless East survey- 

 ing through centuries the restless vagaries of the 

 distracted West. 



A great deal has been written about Oxford and 

 Cambridge cats, who, of all their race in England, 

 appear to command the deepest affection and re- 

 spect. Ancient universities, like ancient cathedrals, 

 afford an atmosphere pleasantly suited to Pussy's 

 meditative habits. He drowses all day in dim 

 Italian churches, like some devout but sleepy old 

 woman who loves the shelter of the holy walls, and 

 who is lulled sweetly to rest by the monotonous 

 and familiar chant. He is equally at home in col- 

 lege quadrangles and college halls. Anything that 

 is studious, decorous, permanent, appeals to his 

 splendid conservatism and unerring good taste. In 

 proof of the high esteem in which he is held by 

 those familiar with his scholastic life, I quote this 



