THE CAT= 



A Cat 



Philosopher and comrade, not for thee 



The fond and foolish love which binds the dog; 



Only a quiet sympathy which sees 



Through all my faults, and bears with them awhile. 



Be lenient still, and have some faith in me, 



Gentlest of sceptics, sleepiest of friends. 



Jules Lemaitre to his Cat 



37 



