THE CAT 



Man harnesses the lightning, and 



Makes steam perform his will, 

 The horse and dog his bond-slaves are, 



The cat eludes him still. 



The dog's man's servant, plaything, drudge, 



A foolish altruist; 

 The cat, in spite of man, remains 



Serene, an egotist. 



Talk not to me about your dog, 



It is but idle chat; 

 Give me that calm philosopher 



Of hearth and home, the cat. 



Ruth Kimball Gardiner. 



12 



