The Black Cat Stunt
A student in cap and gown, stands across from a table where a very quiet, gentle cat is held still by a child. Children in a row at the back of stage hold up books, as though studying. The student recites:
THE STUFFED CAT
Who stuffed that cat? No one spoke in school,
For ’twas study time and against the rule.
The children in their seats might stare,
The visitor, little did he care.
What a very ridiculous nose!
What an exceedingly awkward pose!
Such extremely pointed ears
Have never belonged to a cat, my dears.
And those big, round, shining eyes
Never belonged to a cat that size!
If a real cat on the table sat,
He’d be inclined to laugh at that!
Who stuffed that cat? Was it a clown?
Who always jokes in striped gown?
Tho’ I’m not old or very wise,
For a cat you’ve made an odd disguise.
When anything you want to do,
It’s well to learn the thing, ’tis true;
Excuse me, if I laugh at that,
Your very funny, old STUFFED CAT!
[The child holding the cat pokes it, the cat rises and walks about, the children laugh, while the student shows his surprise, and walks off in an indignant manner.]