The new dominion. [volume] (Morgantown, W. Va.) 1876-1904, 1885-06-13
FOR OUR YOUNG FOLKS.
PUSSY AND SPARROW.

Long long ago. one summer day. think
twas in the month of May
pussy eat beneath a tree walked back and
forward mewsingly.
Around about, the flowers fair eNhaled their
hearts upon the air;
Above her hsSeo- and an about, the glad birds
=" shook Jfrcir carols out"
The sunshinds siow, the shadows grace
made that same spat pleasant place.
AS back and forth beneath tho tree that pussy
cat walked mewsingiy.
But not for any flower that grew, nor yer for
any breeze that blew,
Nor YET for grace of sun or shade. or music
thst the glad birds made,
Did that saI2s eat beneath the tree walk back
ana forward mewsingly.
Her heart. as back and forth she went, ragged
with q savage discomfort.
These birds" she said, II do declare, their
songs are mUfs than can bear;
Each wretched little singing sinner would
ssf-ke some cal a splendid dinner
Now. there ic>ne, so sleek and plump! just
see the creata-- hop and jump!
IL could get within ny etatch that bird, or
any other such,
I'd show" those were her very words, ''the
proper use to make of birds"
Thus said that pussy cat as she walked back
and forth beneath that tree.
She watched with eseor, hungry eyes; WHOM
lol within her reach, there flies
A sparrow. All! tbs bird was rashl A little
spring. u little flash
OF wings that spread too late, alas. And so,
ysNi see, IL came 10 pass
The pretty bro Ms quick as thought. within
the old cats ti-ws was caught
" My chances" thought The reckless sparrow
ARE certainly extremely narrow.
And yet, I'll do the best can; no inore than
that can bird or man.
So, as the cat tried 10 begin her long-deayed
long wishcd-for dinner,
The sparrow cried; Dear Madam Cat you
surely have forgotten that
Every one shen,ld wash his face, or hers, Just
as may be the case.
Before he eats Tor shel. I've hesrtl upon my
honor us n bird.
This is rule that, far and wide, no high
toned circle sets aside.
The very manner of ones feeding is such
test Of ones good breeding.
And yUu, dear, lovely Madam, are too ele-
giant Know, by far,
For cen u moment 20 forget the smallest
claim of etiquette"
The pussy cat, alasi-but she had her own
share OF 7snity;
And, In all courtesy refined, she did not wish
to be behind
She said, quite to herself; "lf thafs the rule,
III be to future cats
A bright example. will be n model for pos.
terity"
So she prepared, with not doubt. this new
-, resolve 10 carry out.
ebe Ind the bird which, be II said, was look
ing less ahye than dead,
Down in titly chosen place, while she pre-
pared TO wash her fsces
o, foolish catl O, willy Bird Was ever such
deception heard2
Quick as the flight OF any arrow. away went
that decettul sparrow,
While meath that spreading tree there sat IA
NEST detected looking cat.
Then back and forth beneath the tree again
she wandered NEW singiy.
That rule" she said. sis too gbsgrd Twill
never work twixt cat and bird"
Waving n disappointed paw. she said again;
IN make d lsw
That shall not such chasrh set 'twixt appe-
tte and etiquette
That shall not leave my hapless kind d prey TO
every guiieful mind.
So 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 Eat as meath the tree she
wandered most dejectedly.
And this since then has 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 an eye, of course
you see the reason why.
--CdfIOttd PERM, IN ~ T. Independent.