The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1885-06-13
FOR OUR YOUNG FOLKS.
PUSSY AND SPARROW

Long, long ago, one summer day. think
twas in the month of May
a pussy cat beneath tree walked back and
forward mewsingly.
Around about, the flowers fair eXhaled their
hearts upon the air;
Above her head, and all about the glad birds
" shook their carols out"
Inc sunshines glow, the shadows grace
made that same spot pleasant place
AS back and forth beneath the tree that pussy
cat walked mewSlngly
But not for any flower that grew. nor vet for
any breeze that blew,
NOR yet for grace of sun or shade or music
that the glad birds made
DId that same cat beneath the tree walk back
and forward mewsingly.
Her healt, as back and forth she went ragged
with savage discomfort.
These BIRDS she said. Il do declare, their
songs are more than l can bear;
Each wretched little singing sinner would
=, make some cat splendid dinner.
Now, there is one, so sleek and plump! Just
see the creature hop and jump!
Ii could get within my clutch that bird or
any other SUCH
I'd show these were her very words, 1.-THE
- proper use to make of birds"
Thus said that pussy cat as she walked back
and forth beneath that tree.
She watched, with eager, hungry eyes; when
: 10. within her reach, there flies
"A sparrow. All! the bird was rashi A little
spring, little flash
OF wings that spread too late, alas! And So
you see, it came to pass
The pretty bird, as quick as thought. within
the old cats claws was caught.
My Chances" thought the reckless sparrow
are certainly extremely narrow.
And yet, I'll do the best can; no more than
that can bird or man."
So, as the cat tried to begin her long-delayed,
long wiShed-for dinner,
The sparrow cried: Dear Madam Cat, you
surely have forgotten that
Every one should wash his face, or hers, just
as may be the case,
Before he eats (or She. I've heard, upon my
honor as bird,
This is rule that, far and wide, no high
toned circle sets aside.
The very manner of ones feeding is such a
test of ones good breeding.
And you, dear, lovely Madam, are too ele-
CANT know, by far,
For cen moment to forget the smallest
claim of etiquette
The pussy cat alas!-but she had her own
share of vanity;
And, in all courtesy refined, she did not wish
to be behind
She said, quite to herself: "If that's the rule
I'll be to future cats
A bright example. will be a model for pos
terity."
So she prepared. with not a doubt, this new
resolve to carry out.
She laid the bird which, be it said, was look
ing less alive than dead,
Down in Il fifty chosen place. while she pre-
pared to wash her face
o, foolish cati ., willy bird! Wac ever such
deception heard?
Quick as the fight of any arrow, away went
that deceitful sparrow.
While meath that spreading tree there sat a
most detected looking cat
Then back and forth beneath the tree again
she wandered mewSingly.
That rule she said, lis too absurd. Twill
never work twiXt cat and bird"
waving disappointed paw, She said again:
I'm make law
That shall not such Il chasm set 'twiXt appe-
tite and etiquette.
That shall not leave my hapless kind prey to
every guiieful mind.
50 now ! publish this decree, that all the cats
that yet shall be,
OF all degrees and times and places, shall eat
their bird then wash their faces,
Thus is the cruel law reversed of dinner last
and manners first"
Thus spoke that cat as meath the tree she
wandered most deiectedy
And this since then hes been the law; and
every cat you ever saw
Adds to the maxim firm and fast, of dinner
first and manners last.
And If you read with half au eye, of course
you see the reason why.
-CmtOtth Pe11B an n. y. Independent.