THE CAT 



The Lover Whose Mistresse Feared a 

 Mouse 



The Squirrel thinking nought, 



That feately cracks the nut, 

 The greedie Goshawke wanting prey, 



In dread of Death doth put; 

 But scorning all these kindes, 



I would become a Cat, 

 To combat with the creeping Mouse, 



And scratch the screeking Rat. 



I would be present, aye, 



And at my Ladie's call, 

 To gard her from the fearfull Mouse, 



In Parlour and in Hall; 

 In Kitchen, for his Lyf e, 



He should not shew his hed; 

 The Pease in Poke should lie untoucht 



When shee were gone to Bed. 



The Mouse should stand in Feare, 



So should the squeaking Rat; 

 All this would I doe if I were 



Converted to a Cat. 



George Tuberville. 



8 



