INJURED INNOCENCE. 
Eggs had been missing from the nest, 
And broken shells were found; 
So Romeo, of all Cats the best, 
Of worth to stand the hardest test, 
Was with the charge of theft oppress’d, 
By Wit, the neighbourhood round ! 
And Romeo was often watching seen 
Close to the very place 
Whence the eggs had stolen been ; 
And, then, his altered look and mien, 
His body fat, so lately lean, 
Gave to the rumour grace ! 
Straight to the stable-door he went, 
(Nought could his rage impede, ) 
Firm and resolved his mind was bent 
Upon one fix’d and high intent, 
Determined nothing should prevent 
A fierce and bloody deed ! 
He reach’d the door, he hurried in, 
And up the stairs he goes ; 
He goes, to perish, or to win, 
And soon the battle’s fearful din 
Shook windows, mangers, stalls, and bin, 
So loud the clamour rose! 
Old Wix11aM, frightened, rush’d up stairs, 
And found this best of Cats, 
At whom with heart-fall dread he stares, 
That scarce to look around he dares, 
59 
