Concerning Cats 



Lets it go as &st, and then 



Has it in her power again : 



Now she works with three or four. 



Like an Indian conjuror : 



Quick as he in feats of art, 



Far beyond in joy of heart. 



Were her antics played in the eye 



Of a thousand standers-by, 



Clapping hands with shout and starei 



What would little Tabby care 



For the plaudits of the crowd? 



Over happy to be proud, 



Over wealthy in the treasure 



Of her own exceeding pleasure. 



" Pleased by any random toy : 

 By a kitten's busy joy, 

 Or an in&nt's laughing eye 

 Sharing in the ecstacy : 

 I would &in like that or this 

 Find my wisdom in my bliss : 

 Keep the sprightly soul awake> 

 And have faculties to take, 

 Even from things by sorrow wrought^ 

 Matter for a jocund thought. 

 Spite of care and spite of grie^ 

 To gambol with life's ^ling leaf." 



Cowper's love for animals was well known. At one 

 time, according to Lady Hesketh, he had besides two 

 dogs, two goldfinches, and two canaries, five rabbits, 

 three hares, two guinea-pigs, a squirrel, a magpie, a 

 jay, and a starling. In addition he had, at least, one 



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