'If you kill me, Cat, to do your duty, I sha'n't be able to do mine.'
It was a doubtful point, and the Cat was new to casuistry. 'What is your duty?' said she.
'I have seven little ones at home—seven little ones, and they will all die without me. Pray let me go.'
'What! do you take care of your children?' said the Cat. 'How interesting! I should like to see that; take me.'
'Oh! you would eat them, you would,' said the Rabbit. 'No! better eat me than them. No, no.'
'Well, well,' said the Cat, 'I don't know; I suppose I couldn't answer for myself. I don't think I am right, for duty is pleasant, and it is very unpleasant to be so hungry; but I suppose you must go. You seem a good Rabbit. Are you happy, Rabbit?'
'Happy! oh, dear beautiful Cat! if you spare me to my poor babies!'
'Pooh, pooh!' said the Cat, peevishly; 'I don't want fine speeches; I meant whether you thought it worth while to be alive! Of course you do! It don't matter. Go, and keep out of my way; for, if I don't get my dinner, you may not get off another time. Get along, Rabbit.'
PART III.
It was a great day in the Fox's cave. The eldest cub had the night before brought home his first goose, and they were just sitting down to it as the Cat came by.