Part 29

Once upon a time there was a miller who had three sons. When he was dying he left each of them a legacy. To his eldest son he left his mill; to his second his ass; and to his youngest his cat. The poor boy was very sad when he found that he had nothing belonging to him but a cat; but, to his great surprise, puss jumped on the table and said in a friendly manner: "Do not be sad, my dear master, only buy me a pair of boots and a bag and I'll provide for you and myself." So the miller's son, who had a shilling or two in his pocket, bought a smart little pair of boots and a bag, and gave them to puss, who put some bran and sow-thistles into his bag, opened the mouth of it, and lay down in a rabbit warren. A foolish young rabbit jumped into it; puss drew the string and soon killed it. He went immediately to the palace with it. He found the king and queen sitting on the throne, and, bowing low, he laid the rabbit at the king's feet, saying: "Please, your majesty, my master, the Marquis de Carabas, has sent you a rabbit from his warren, as a mark of respect." "I am much obliged to the Marquis," said the king, and he ordered the rabbit to be taken to the cook, and a piece of money to be given to the cat.

During two or three months the cat continued to carry game every now and then to the king, which was supposed to be the produce of his master's sport. One day when he happened to hear the king was going to take a drive on the banks of the river, in company with his daughter, who was the most beautiful princess in the world, puss desired the master to go and bathe in the river at the spot that he should point out, and leave the rest to him. The Marquis of Carabas did as his cat advised him. Just as he was bathing the king came past, when the cat bawled out as loud as he could--"Help! help! or the Marquis of Carabas will be drowned!" On hearing this, the king looked out of the carriage window, and recognising the cat, ordered his bodyguards to fly to the assistance of my Lord Marquis of Carabas. As the poor Marquis was being fished out of the river, the cat informed his majesty that, while his master was bathing, some robbers had stolen his clothes. The king immediately ordered the gentlemen of his wardrobe to fetch one of his most sumptuous dresses. No sooner had this been done and the Marquis suitably attired, then he looked to such advantage that the king took him to be a very fine gentleman; while the princess was so struck with his appearance, that at once she became head and ears in love with him.

The king insisted that the Marquis should get into the carriage. The cat, highly delighted at the turn thinks were taking, now ran on before, and having reached a meadow where there were some peasants, he thus accosted them; "I say, good folks, if you do not tell the king that this field belongs to the Marquis of Carabas, you shall all be chopped as fine as mince-meat." The king did not fail to inquire of the peasants to whom the meadow belonged? "To the Marquis of Carabas, please your majesty," said they in a breath.

And the cat kept running on before the carriage, and repeating the same instructions to all the labourers he met with, so that the king was astonished at the vast possessions of the Marquis of Carabas.

At length the cat reached a magnificent castle belonging to a giant who was immensely rich. The cat having inquired what sort of person the giant might be, and what he was able to do, sent in a message to request leave to speak with him.

The giant received him civilly. "I have been told," said the cat, "that you have the power of transforming yourself into all sorts of animals." "So I have," replied the giant, "and to prove the truth of what I say you shall see me become a lion." When the cat beheld a lion standing before him, and saw the monster quietly light his pipe, he was seized with such a panic that he clambered up to the roof. After a time, the cat perceiving that the giant had returned to his natural shape, came down again.

"And do you possess the power of assuming the shape of the smallest animals likewise?" "You shall see;" and the giant immediately assumed the shape of a mouse, when the cat pounced upon him and ate him up.

By this time the king had reached the gates of the Giant's magnificent castle, and expressed a wish to enter so splendid a building. The cat ran out to meet the king, saying--"Your majesty is welcome to the Marquis of Carabas's castle."

The king was so delighted with the Marquis of Carabas, that he accepted him as a son-in-law, and that very same day he was married to the princess.

The cat became a great lord, and ever after hunted mice only for his own amusement.

[Illustration: Two Cats, a Scale and a Monkey.]

Monkey And The Cats

Two hungry cats having stolen some cheese, could not agree between themselves how to divide their booty; therefore they went to the law, and a cunning monkey was to decide their case.

"Let us see," said the judge (with as arch a look as could be); "ay, ay, this slice truly outweighs the other;" and with this he bit off a large piece, on order, as he told them, to make a fair balance.

The other scale had now become too heavy, which gave this upright judge a pretence to make free with a second mouthful.

"Hold, hold!" cried the two cats; give each of us our share of what is left and we will be content.

"If you are content," said the monkey, "justice is not; the law, my friends, must have it's course."

Upon this he nibbled first one piece and then the other, till the poor cats, seeing their cheese in a fair way to be all eaten up, most humbly begged him not to put himself to any further trouble, to give them what still remained.

"Ha! ha! ha! not so fast, I beseech you, good ladies," said the monkey; "we owe justice to ourselves as well as to you: and what remains is due to me as the lawyer." Upon this he crammed the whole into his mouth at once, and very gravely broke up the court.

This fable teaches us that it is better to put up with a trifling loss, than to run the risk of losing all we have by going to the law.

Dick Whittington And His Cat

There was once a Lord Mayor of London, whose name was Sir Richard Whittington. He rose to that office from being a poor orphan, living in a distant village. Dick was a sharp boy, and was always picking up knowledge from some of the villagers. Dick heard of the great City of London; he often heard it said that the streets were paved all over with gold.

One day seeing a waggon and team of horses on the road to London; he took courage and asked the waggoner to let him walk by his side. Having gained permission, they set off together. When Dick got to London, he was very eager to see the fine streets paved all over with gold, but the poor boy saw nothing but dirt instead of gold, so he crouched down at the door of one Mr. Fitzwarren, a great merchant. Here he was soon found by an ill-tempered cook, who ordered him to go about his business. But just at this moment Mr. Fitzwarren himself came home, and finding that the poor boy was willing to work, he took him into his house, and said that he should be kept to do what dirty work he was able for the cook. The cook was always scolding him from morning till night, and was very cruel to him. Poor Dick had another hardship. His bed was places in a garret where there were great numbers of rats and mice, which ran over his face, and made a great noise. Dick at last bought a cat which was famous for being an excellent mouser.

Soon after this, the merchant, who had a ship ready to sail, asked his servants if they would send any goods abroad. All the servants mentioned something they were willing to venture but poor Whittington, who said he had nothing but a cat which was his companion.

"Fetch thy cat, boy," said Mr. Fitzwarren, "and let her go." Dick hesitated for some time; at last he brought poor Puss, and delivered her to the captain with tears in his eyes. The cook continued to be so cruel to him that the unhappy fellow determined to leave his place. He accordingly packed up his few things, and travelled as far as Holloway, and there sat down on a stone. While he was there musing, Bow-bells began to ring; and it seemed to him that their sound said:

_"Turn again, Whittington,_ _Lord Mayor of London."_

So back went Dick, and got into the house before the cook came down stairs.

The ship with Dick's cat on board happened to be driven by contrary winds on a part of the coast of Barbary, inhabited by Moors, who showed great eagerness to purchase the things with which the ship was laden. The captain seeing this, took patterns of the choicest articles he had to the King of the Moors. While he was showing them to him, dinner was brought in, and at once lots of rats and mice came in and ate up all the dainties. The captain was astonished when the King told him that this often happened. The captain rushed off at once to the ship, and brought Puss to the palace. The second dinner had been brought in, and, as usual, in came the rats and mice; Pussy at the sight of them sprang out of the captain's arms and killed lots of them, and the rest ran off to their holes. The King was greatly pleased with the wonderful Puss, and gave two sackfuls of gold for the cat, and the captain at once sailed for London. When Mr. Fitzwarren heard the news, he ordered Dick Whittington to be called, and showed him all the riches which the captain had brought in exchange for his cat. Dick was now a rich man, and soon after married the merchant's daughter, at the very church whose bells seemed to call him back to London. He grew richer and richer, became Sheriff, and at length Lord Mayor of London.

[Page 156--More Pussy Land]

[Illustration: Our Kate Washing our Kitties.]

[Illustration: Burying our poor dead Bird, Pussy looking very suspicious.]

[Illustration: Our Pussies driving their Rabbit Sleigh.]

[Illustration: Our very lazy Pussy.]

[Illustration: Our careless Pussy caught in a trap by the Mice.]

[Page 157--More Pussy Land]

[Illustration: Our Toby giving our Tabby a Ride.]

[Illustration: Weighing our Pussy against our Doggy.]

The White Kitten

My little white kitten's Asleep on my knee; As white as snow Or the lily is she; She wakes up with a purr When I stroke her soft fur; Was there ever another White kitten like her?

My little white kitten Now wants to go out And frolic, with no one To watch her about: "Little kitten," I say, "Just an hour you may stay; And be careful in choosing Your places to play."

But night has come down, And I hear a loud "mew"; I open the door, and my Kitten comes through; My white kitten! ah me! Oh! can it be she-- This sad looking beggar-like Cat that I see?

What ugly grey marks On her side and her back! Her nose, once as pink As a rosebud, is black! Oh! I very well know, Though she does not say so, She has been where white kittens Ought never to go.

If little good children Would wish to do right, If little white kittens Would keep themselves white, It is needful that they In their houses should stay, Or be careful in choosing Their places to play.

Kitty

Pretty little Kitty Sat upon a stile, Sang a little ditty To herself for a while, Watching how the sparrows-- Seeking grain to eat-- Dart about like arrows In among the wheat.

Pretty little Kitty Liked the birds to see! Though it was a pity They were wild and free. So she stopped her singing-- Left the stile forlorn; And went gaily springing In among the corn.

Pretty little Kitty Fond of country things, Cares not for the city Where no birdie sings.

[Illustration: Our Jacko, our Jessie, our Jemmy.]

[Illustration: Our Pussies riding Horseback.]

[Page 158--More Pussy Land]

[Illustration: Our naughty Kitten Caught Stealing Jam.]

Naughty Pussy

"Oh, for shame, Baby Cat, Mother's pet Her cupboard at.

"With a spoon Eating Jam Quite ashamed Of you I am.

"If she comes And catches you You'll be punished Rightly too.

"She will send you Straight to bed, With for supper Plain dry bread."

[Illustration: Our naughty Kitten caught in trying to catch the Goldfish.]

Little Pussy

I love little Pussy, Her coat is so warm; And if I don't tease her, She'll do me no harm.

I'll not pull her tail, Nor drive her away, But Pussy and I Very gently will play.

She'll be gentle with me, If I'm gentle with her, And if I speak kindly, I know she will purr.

She shall sit by my side, And I'll give her some food And Pussy will love me Because I am good.

It's true, if I tease her, Her claws she will show; But Pussy knows well That I never do so.

Puss and the Crab

"I wonder," says puss, "If a thing like that Would presume to bite A respectable cat?

'Tis the queerest thing That ever I saw; I'll hit it a slap With my strong forepaw.

No! No! On the whole I had better not; But what curious claws The creature has got!

I'll just step up And quietly ask it How it got out Of that market-basket.

I'll play with the animal, Just to see If it wants to do Any harm to me.

No! I thank I had better Get out of its way, And I surely am safer Not even to play.

For I'll get into trouble, And horribly wail, If that thing with the claws Takes a grip on my tail."

Rev. A. Taylor

Little Pussies

Three little pussies, All in a row, Ranged on the table, Two down below.

Five little pussies Dressed all in silk, Waiting for sugar, Waiting for milk.

Dear little pussies, If you would thrive, Breakfast at nine o'clock, Take tea at five.

[Illustration: Our Loving Doggy and Pussy.]

[Illustration: Our Smartly-dressed Friends.]

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Puss in the Corner

You are a naughty pussy-cat; I think it right to mention that For all who see your picture here-- 'Twas you who broke my bunny dear.

An hour ago, as you can tell, I left him here, alive and well; And now he's dead, and, what is more You've broke his leg, I'm pretty sure.

For you, my puss, I'll never care, No--never, never, never--there! And you are in disgrace, you know, And in the corner you must go.

What, crying? Then I must cry too, And I can't bear to punish you; Perhaps you've only stunned his head.

And though I'm sure you broke his leg, It may be mended with a peg; And though he's very, very funny, My bunny's not a real bunny; And I'll forgive and tell you that You are my precious pussy-cat.

Robert Mack

Tabby

Tabby was a kitten, Tabby was a thief. Tabby tried to steal the cream, And so she came to grief.

Jumping on the table (Nobody was nigh), On the pretty cream-jug Tabby cast her eye:

Wondered what was in it; Thought she'd like to see; Crept a little nearer, Slyly as could be.

Cream was very low down; Jug was very high; "Must have some," said Tabby. "Even if I die!"

Then into the cream-jug Popped her naughty nose; Just what happened after, Only Tabby knows.

This is how we found her, Naughty little cat! Did she get a whipping, Think you, after that?

Tabby was a kitten, Tabby was a thief, Tabby tried to steal the cream, And so she came to grief.

Old Puss

Don't hurt the poor old cat, There can be no fun in that; And it would be cruel too-- She never tried to injure you.

She, for years, has kept the house Free from thievish rat and mouse; Puss has always faithful been, And has kept herself so clean.

True, she now is getting old, Though she once was strong and bold; At her prey she cannot leap, And, if caught, can scarcely keep.

Poor old puss! 'Twould be a shame Thee for uselessness to blame; When though canst not active be-- Useless through infirmity.

In the Park

I'm a rich little kitten: I live at my ease,

I keep my own carriage, I go where I please;

My turn-out is stylish, I nothing neglect,

And often I notice That all recollect

That a rich little kitten Deserves much respect.

[Illustration: Our Kitten in her Perambulator.]

[Illustration: Our Puss and her Dog Carriage.]

[Illustration: Our Puss and her Chicken Coach.]

[Page 160--More Pussy Land]

[Illustration: Cats playing piano, violin, and singing.]

The Dead Kitten

Don't talk to me of parties, Nan; I really cannot go; When folks are in affliction They don't go out, you know. I have a new brown sash, too; It seems a pity--eh? That such a dreadful trial Should have come just yesterday!

The play-house blinds are all pulled down As dark as it can be; It looks so very solemn And so proper, don't you see? And I have a piece of crape Pinned on my dolly's hat, Tom says it is ridiculous For only just a cat.

But boys are all so horrid! They always, every one, Delight in teasing little girls And kitties, "just for fun." The way he used to pull her tail-- It makes me angry now-- And scat her up the cherry tree, To make the darling "meow!"

I've had her all the summer. One day, away last spring, I heard a frightful barking, And I saw the little thing In the corner of a fence; 'T would have made you laugh outright To see how every hair stood out, And how she tried to fight.

I shooed the dog away, And she jumped upon my arm; The pretty creature knew I wouldn't do her any harm; I hugged her close, and carried her To mamma, and she said She should be my own wee kitty, If I'd see that she was fed.

A cunning little dot she was, With silky, soft, grey fur; She'd lie for hours on my lap, And I could hear her purr; And then she'd frolic after When I pulled a string about, Or try to catch her tail, Or roll a marble in and out.

Such comfort she has been to me I'm sure no one could tell, Unless some other little girl Who loves her pussy well. I've heard about a Maltese cross; But my dear little kit Was always sweet and amiable, And never cross a bit!

But oh, last week I missed her! I hunted all around; My darling little pussy-cat Was nowhere to be found. I knelt and whispered softly, When nobody could see: "Take care of little kitty, please, And bring her back to me."

I found her lying yesterday Behind the lower shed; I thought my heart was broken When I found that she was dead. Tom promised me another one; But even he can see No other kitty ever will be Just the same to me.

I can't go to your party, Nannie, Maccaroons, you say? And ice-cream? I know I ought to try and not give way; And I feel it would be doing wrong To disappoint you so. Well, if I'm equal to it By to-morrow, I may go!

Sydney Dayre

The Monkey and the Nuts

A monkey, being fond of nuts, Thought he would have some roasted; But how was he to get them done, Not liking to be toasted? A poor young cat was passing by, And innocently watches; The wicked monkey saw her stop, And at his victim snatches.

"Dear pussy, you are just the one That I've been looking out for; How beautiful you look to-day, But tell me what you pout for! Upon my word I long have had For you a fond affection; Now you shall stay and dine with me, Or take some slight refection."

"Twas no use for poor puss to speak, Or offer to deny him, The monkey had her in his grasp, And she could not deny him. So he began to laugh and chat, And show a few grimaces; Oh! if you had but seen, like me, The contrast of their faces.

He put some nuts into her paw, And he the fire approaches, As if a salamander she. Or made of young cockroaches. The poor cat now began to squall, Her face the fire attacking; And sadly too, her paw was burnt, The while the nuts were cracking.

The monkey having feasted well Began to snarl and grumble, That he should be so taken in With nuts he scarce could mumble. "Dear me," he said, "how they are burnt," And at poor pussy looking, "I cannot think how I could bear Such miserable cooking.

And what a fuss you make about A little bit of warning; I've often done the thing myself-- There's nothing so alarming. Now take this for yourself," he said, "And next time be less squalling:" Then gave the cat a hearty cuff, Which sent the poor thing sprawling.

"Now let me give you this advice, For I am one of letters: Leave off your rude, obstreperous way, When you are with your betters. And think yourself well off," he said, "That I had mercy on you; For many would have sent you home Without a dress upon you."

Mrs. W. Taylor

[Illustration: Three Cats.]

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My Own Puss

I wish you could just see my cat: She's a darling, there's no doubt of that: So soft, and so sleek, and so fat.

Her eyes are a beautiful green, The brightest that ever were seen: Of cats she is truly the queen.

She loves to lie stretched in the sun But as soon as my lessons are done, She is ready for frolic and fun.

My kitty has two sets of claws, Tucked away in those velvety paws: She can use them, too, when there is cause.

I cannot thin what I should do, If, my pussy, I ever lost you: We're so happy together, we two!

I call her my bundle of fur: Hark! now she's beginning to purr: Kit loves me, and oh, I love her!

The Frolicsome Kitten

Dear kitten, do lie still, I say, How much I want you to be quiet, Instead of scampering away, And always making such a riot.

There, only see! you've torn my frock, And poor mamma must put a patch in; I'll give you a right earnest knock, To cure you of this trick of scratching.