The master,—he loved my kitten, my kitten;

She was still too weak to stand,

When he placed her upon one hand,

And over it laid the other,

And looked at me kindly, and said,

“Tip, you’re a proud little mother!”

For they’d left me but one, my kitten, my kitten—

As sweet as a kitten could be—

And I loved her for all the three

They had taken away without warning.

I watched her from daylight till dark,

Watched her from night until morning!

I never left my kitten, my kitten

(For I feared—and I loved her so!)

Till I thought it time she should know

That cats in the house have a duty,

And a right to be proud of their skill,

I only left my kitten, my kitten,

A few short moments in all,

To punish the mouse in the wall,

Each day growing bolder and bolder;

And I brought her the mouse to show

What kittens must do when older.

I brought her the mouse—my kitten, my kitten!

I tossed it, I caught it for her;

But she would not see, nor stir.

My heart it beat fast and faster;

And I caught her up in my mouth,

And carried her so, to the master.

I thought he would help—my kitten, my kitten!

And I laid her down at his feet—

(Never a kitten so sweet,

And he knew that I had no other!)

But he only said, “Poor Tip,

’Tis a sad day for you, little mother!”