So7ne Poets' Cats. 341 



It knew he would not do it if it was not all right. And so 

 it was ; for by-and-by the boy got the kitten and a saucer 

 of milk together, and, though there was a good deal 

 of unnecessary bobbing of its nose into the milk, the 

 kitten took it all as meant in kindness, and, when it had 

 had it9 face dried on a pinafore, was ready for another 

 romp. 



But they can scratch when they are put out, as Joanna 

 Baillie's fat Tommy found — 



" He did her hinder parts assail, 

 And pinched and pulled the kitten's tail. 

 On this her sudden anger rose. 

 She turned and straightway scratched his nose." 



But it is of course the good-humoured and playful kitten 

 that chiefly attracts the poets. Many such are to be found 

 gamboling in verse : Wordsworth's yellow one, playing with 

 the falling leaves — 



" Over-wealthy in the treasure 

 Of her own exceeding pleasure ; " 



Gray's tortoiseshell tabby, "the pensive Selina," that got 

 drowned trying to catch gold-fish — 



" Malignant Fate sate by and smiled, 

 The slipp'ry verge her feet beguiled — 

 She tumbled headlong in. 

 Eight times emerging from the flood. 

 She mewed to every wat'ry god 

 Some speedy aid to send. 

 No dolphin came, no Nereid stirred, 

 Nor cruel Tom nor Susan heard — 

 A fav'rite has no friend ! 

 From iience, ye beauties undeceived. 

 Know one false step is neer retrieved. 

 And be with caution bold. 

 Not all that tempts your wand'ring eyes 

 And heedless hearts is lawful prize — 

 Nor all that glitters crold ; " 



