And many a time this Cat was curst,

Of squalling, thieving things, the worst!

Wish’d Dead! and menanc’d with a string,

For Cats of such scant Fame, deserv’d to swing!

One day, report, for ever busy,

Resolv’d to make Dame Gurton easy;

A Neighbour came, with solemn look,

And thus, the dismal tidings broke.

“Know you, that poor Grimalkin died

“Last night, upon the pent-house side?