Halliwell, in his Collection of Nursery Rhymes, does not mention "Three cats by the fire-side," &c.; but I have in my possession several not named by him, and "Three cats," &c. amongst the number, which I have much pleasure in transcribing for the benefit of Julia R. Bockett's ancient friend:
"Three cats sat by the fire-side,
In a basket full of coal-dust,
One cat said to the other
In fun, pell mell, 'Queen Anne's dead.'
'Is she,' said Grimalkin, 'then I'll reign queen in her stead,'
Then up, up, up, they flew up the chimney."
Anon.
Probably this is the song of "The Turnspits:"
"Two little dogs sat by the fire-side,