He has outlived their customary span,
As Jenkins and Old Parr had that of Man;
And might on tiles have murmured in moonshine
Nestorian tales of youth and Troy divine;
Of rivals fought; of kitten-martyrdoms;
While, meekly listening, round sat Tabs and Toms.
But with the modesty of genuine worth,
He vaunted not his deeds of ancient birth;
His whiskers twitched not, at the world’s applause,
He only yawned, and licked his reverend paws;