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. 



" 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 ? 



" 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. 



"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. 



" Thenceforth in common-room and hall, 

 A verus 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. 



" While statutes changed, and freshmen came, 

 His gait, his wisdom were the same, 

 His age no more than mellow ; 



