THE CAT 



Montaigne and his Cat 



When my cat and I entertain each other with 

 mutual antics, as playing with a garter, who knows 

 but that I make more sport for her than she makes 

 for me? Shall I conclude her to be simple that has 

 her time to begin or to refuse to play, as freely 

 as I have mine. Nay, who knows but that it is a 

 defect of my not understanding her language (for 

 doubtless cats can talk and reason with one an- 

 other) that we agree no better; and who knows 

 but that she pities me for being no wiser than to 

 play with her; and laughs, and censures my folly 

 in making sport for her, when we two play to- 

 gether. 



Montaigne. 



6 



