FALSE KINDNESS.
Reading edition
THE softest little fluff of fur! The gentlest, most persuasive purr! Oh, everybody told me that She was the “loveliest little cat!” So when she on the table sprung, And lapped the cream with small red tongue, I only gently put her down, And said, “No, no!” and tried to frown; But if I had been truly kind, I should have made that kitten mind! Now, large and quick, and strong of will, She’ll spring upon that table still, And, spite of all my watchful care, Will snatch the choicest dainties there; And everybody says, “Scat, scat! She’s such a dreadful, dreadful, cat!” But I, who hear them, know, with shame, I only am the one to blame. For in the days when she was young, And lapped the cream with small red tongue, Had I to her been truly kind, I should have made that kitten mind.