THE CAT 



The dear old Doctor! fierce of mien, 



Untidy, arbitrary, fat, 

 What gentle thoughts his name enfold! 

 So generous of his scanty gold, 

 So quick to love, so hot to scorn, 



Kind to all sufferers under heaven, 

 A tenderer despot ne'er was born ; 

 His big heart held a corner even 

 For Hodge, the cat. 



Susan Coolidge. 



82 



