X. The Bird-catcher.

The cat's in the window and Shock's at the door:

The pussy-cat mews and the little dog barks;

For, see, such a sight as I ne'er saw before,

A boy with a cage full of linnets and larks!

And pussy the way how to catch them is seeking,

To kill them, and spoil all their singing, poor

things;

For singing to them is like little boys speaking;

But fear makes them chirrup and flutter their

wings.

Do not fear pretty birds! for puss shall not eat you.

Go, go, naughty puss! away out of sight.

With crumbs of good bread pretty birds we will

treat you,

And give you fresh water both morning and night.