Page 160—More Pussy Land

The Dead Kitten
Don't talk to me of parties, Nan;
I really cannot go;
When folks are in affliction
They don't go out, you know.
I have a new brown sash, too;
It seems a pity—eh?
That such a dreadful trial
Should have come just yesterday!
The play-house blinds are all pulled down
As dark as it can be;
It looks so very solemn
And so proper, don't you see?
And I have a piece of crape
Pinned on my dolly's hat,
Tom says it is ridiculous
For only just a cat.
But boys are all so horrid!
They always, every one,
Delight in teasing little girls
And kitties, "just for fun."
The way he used to pull her tail—
It makes me angry now—
And scat her up the cherry tree,
To make the darling "meow!"
I've had her all the summer.
One day, away last spring,
I heard a frightful barking,
And I saw the little thing
In the corner of a fence;
'T would have made you laugh outright
To see how every hair stood out,
And how she tried to fight.
I shooed the dog away,
And she jumped upon my arm;
The pretty creature knew
I wouldn't do her any harm;
I hugged her close, and carried her
To mamma, and she said
She should be my own wee kitty,
If I'd see that she was fed.
A cunning little dot she was,
With silky, soft, grey fur;
She'd lie for hours on my lap,
And I could hear her purr;
And then she'd frolic after
When I pulled a string about,
Or try to catch her tail,
Or roll a marble in and out.
Such comfort she has been to me
I'm sure no one could tell,
Unless some other little girl
Who loves her pussy well.
I've heard about a Maltese cross;
But my dear little kit
Was always sweet and amiable,
And never cross a bit!
But oh, last week I missed her!
I hunted all around;
My darling little pussy-cat
Was nowhere to be found.
I knelt and whispered softly,
When nobody could see:
"Take care of little kitty, please,
And bring her back to me."
I found her lying yesterday
Behind the lower shed;
I thought my heart was broken
When I found that she was dead.
Tom promised me another one;
But even he can see
No other kitty ever will be
Just the same to me.
I can't go to your party, Nannie,
Maccaroons, you say?
And ice-cream? I know
I ought to try and not give way;
And I feel it would be doing wrong
To disappoint you so.
Well, if I'm equal to it
By to-morrow, I may go!
Sydney Dayre

The Monkey and the Nuts
A monkey, being fond of nuts,
Thought he would have some roasted;
But how was he to get them done,
Not liking to be toasted?
A poor young cat was passing by,
And innocently watches;
The wicked monkey saw her stop,
And at his victim snatches.
"Dear pussy, you are just the one
That I've been looking out for;
How beautiful you look to-day,
But tell me what you pout for!
Upon my word I long have had
For you a fond affection;
Now you shall stay and dine with me,
Or take some slight refection."
"Twas no use for poor puss to speak,
Or offer to deny him,
The monkey had her in his grasp,
And she could not deny him.
So he began to laugh and chat,
And show a few grimaces;
Oh! if you had but seen, like me,
The contrast of their faces.
He put some nuts into her paw,
And he the fire approaches,
As if a salamander she.
Or made of young cockroaches.
The poor cat now began to squall,
Her face the fire attacking;
And sadly too, her paw was burnt,
The while the nuts were cracking.
The monkey having feasted well
Began to snarl and grumble,
That he should be so taken in
With nuts he scarce could mumble.
"Dear me," he said, "how they are burnt,"
And at poor pussy looking,
"I cannot think how I could bear
Such miserable cooking.
And what a fuss you make about
A little bit of warning;
I've often done the thing myself—
There's nothing so alarming.
Now take this for yourself," he said,
"And next time be less squalling:"
Then gave the cat a hearty cuff,
Which sent the poor thing sprawling.
"Now let me give you this advice,
For I am one of letters:
Leave off your rude, obstreperous way,
When you are with your betters.
And think yourself well off," he said,
"That I had mercy on you;
For many would have sent you home
Without a dress upon you."
Mrs. W. Taylor

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