Towards Highgate’s hill—and up the steep ascent

Toiled wearily—yet deem not him alone,

For at his heels there walked a faithful friend,

A gentle quadruped—a fond Grimalkin

Who purred between her master’s weary legs,

Till he looked down and saw her at his feet,

And wept at such four-footed sympathy.

So with their honest backs to London town

These twain toiled valiantly up Highgate hill.

They sat them down at last—for Whittington