THE CAT 



In Memoriam 



Alas, Grosvenor, this day died poor old Rumpel, 

 after as long and happy a life as cat could wish 

 for, if cats form wishes on that subject. His full 

 titles were: — 



" The most Noble the Archduke Rumpelstiltz- 

 chen, Marquis Macbum, Earl Tomlemagne, Baron 

 Raticide, Waowhler, and Skaratch." 



There should be a court mourning in Catland, 

 and if the Dragon * wear a black ribbon round his 

 neck, or a band of crape, a la militaire, on one of 

 his fore legs, it will be but a becoming mark of 

 respect. 



As we have no catacombs here, he is to be de- 

 cently interred in the orchard, and catmint planted 

 on his grave. Poor creature, it is well that he has 

 thus come to his end, since he had grown to be an 

 object of pity. I believe we are, each and all, 

 servants included, more sorry for his loss, or rather 

 more affected by it, than any one of us would like 

 to confess. 



I should not have written to you at present, had 

 it not been to notify you of this event. 



Robert Southey to Grosvenor C. Bedford, 

 i Bedford's cat. 



26 



