But followed Duty’s call;

They were together in their aim,

But parted in their fall.

High Diddle Diddle, the Cat and the Fiddle

Heard ye that mirthful melody? Remote

It rose; and straight the strain, approaching near,

Caught of the careful cat the critic ear—

Proud dame, in tortoise decked or tabby coat,

The villain vermin’s vixen vanquisher.

Her frolic paw the festive fiddle smote,