=THE CAT 



rival, the mutual fear which restrained, not only 

 teeth and claws, but even all tones of defiance, 

 the mutual agitation of their tails, and lastly the 

 manner in which Hurley retreated, like Ajax, still 

 keeping his face towards his old antagonist. The 

 overture, I fear, was not received as generously as 

 it was made ; for no sooner had Hurlyburlybuss re- 

 covered strength than hostilities were recommenced 

 with greater violence than ever; Rumpel, who had 

 not abused his superiority when he possessed it, 

 having acquired meantime a confidence which made 

 him keep the field. 



Dreadful were the combats which ensued, as 

 their ears, faces and legs bear witness. We are 

 often obliged to interfere and separate them. Oh, 

 it is awful to hear the note with which they prelude 

 their encounters. The long, low growl slowly rises 

 and swells until it becomes a yowl, and then it is 

 snapped short by a sound which seems as though 

 they were spitting fire and venom at each other. 

 All means of reconciling them, and making them 

 understand how goodly a thing it is for cats to dwell 

 together in peace, are in vain. The proceedings 

 of the Society for the Abolishment of War are 

 not more utterly ineffectual and hopeless. 



Memoir of the Cats of Greta Hall. 



Robert Southey. 

 122 



