University of Virginia Library

CATKIND AND HUMANKIND.

MY cat, that sits and sleeps upon my knee,
For sheer intelligence, with men I know
Not only can compare, but, high or low,
Few reach his standard of morality.
That which I do for him he renders me
With love and faith such as few humans show,
Rejoices when I come and when I go,
Cries at my door nor comforted will be.
His spreading ruff, his bushy tail and hair
For vanity sufficing him content:
He does not pine the power with me to share
Nor on the delegation is he bent,
—To harass me who pay for him and care,—
Of representatives to Parliament.