Now, my good friend ! can thoughts arise 

 So senseless in such brains as thine ? 



Compare thine own with Donna's size, 

 And just reflect that cats must dine. 



Look at that huge thick paw — and see, 

 Thy wrist is larger round than mine : 



Would'st thou a lady's nursling be ? 



" But, mistress ! why need puss be thine ? " 



Because she's gentle and polite, 



And small, and soft, and clean withal — 



Whilst thou, for gown of purest white, 

 Good friend ! hast no respect at all. 



Thou know'st in every muddy hole 

 'Tis thy delight to dine and play — 



Fresh from such sport, from head to sole, 

 You splashed me o'er but yesterday ; 



While puss is always clean and sweet. 



"Ay, mistress ! ay ! small chance have I : 

 Your poor old servant at your feet, 



Despised, may lay him down and die. 



" Yet I've been young, and comely too, 



And oft you've kissed my sleek brown head. 



Nay, Ranger ! if you take it so, 



I wish the cat were hanged and dead. 

 148 



