  'Look at old Puss,' the Kittens said, 'He's fast asleep, he nods his head; How dull and stupid it must be To be as slow and old as he! He lies and sleeps there in the sun, And does not try to play or run; Creep up and gives him just a pat— He ought to run, he gets so fat!' But Puss awoke. 'Hullo,' said he, 'You think to play your tricks on me? I know I'm old, I'm glad I'm fat— My dear, kind mistress sees to that; I scare the birds while lying here— They dare not come when I am near, To steal my mistress's nice fruit; My time to some good use is put. 'But you! what have you done to-day, Except to romp and run and play?' The Kittens, looking quite subdued, Said, 'We are sorry we were rude.' 'Well then, this time I let you go,' Old Puss replied, 'for now you know That older folk are wiser far Than silly little kittens are.' With this remark Puss walked away And left the Kittens to their play. I'm glad to say they ne'er forgot The lesson that they had been taught, And from that day tried hard to be From naughty, idle ways quite free; In fact they now behave so well That I have nothing more to tell. C. D. B. |
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