FLOSSY (WITH HER OWN PORTRAIT) TO HER MISTRESS
ON HER WEDDING DAY
OF all the tiny race of Skye,
The prettiest, so friends say, am I;
My name is Flossy, well-bestowed,
A silkier coat Skye never shewed!
With sable back, and silver head,
Blue bow, and feathery paws outspread,
As on my crimson rug I lie,
What fairer sight for painter's eye?
Short are my legs, yet mark my pace
Whene'er I cats or postmen chase!
In human language if I fail,
What so expressive as my tail?
See how it wags, as if to say,
"Dear mistress, a glad wedding day!"
Though bounded is my being's range,
And knows no world beyond The Grange—
A universe by half-a-span
Less than the universe of man—
Yet am I Queen of all I see,
The household are but slaves to me.
Let others toil the livelong day,
I play and sleep, and sleep and play;
Or in my carriage proudly ride
With two fair ladies at my side.
Gaily I live, by all caressed,
And in a doting mistress blessed!
Affection's happiness I prove,
And see no fault in those I love;
Nor when my little bones are laid
Beneath the turf on which I played,
Nor when the rug which now I press
Each winter's eve is Flossieless,
Shall Flossy die; but pictured here
To her loved mistress still be dear.