LAMENT OF A FORSAKEN CAT.

THE family went out of town, Refreshing themselves by the sea; I thought they’d have taken me down, But no one had pity on me. What of that? After all, it is “only a cat!” The children got in one by one, When the carriage drove up to the door, How breathlessly then did I run! Little Molly cried, “Room for one more!” What of that? After all, it is “only a cat!” “No place with the children for me? With the luggage then, porter,” I said. “Get out, little demon!” cried he, And gave me a blow on the head. What of that? After all, it is “only a cat!” There is no one without or within; Not a drop, not a crumb in the house. My bones breaking through my poor skin; No strength to say Boo! to a mouse! What of that? After all, it is “only a cat!” I was petted and loved by the fair; Do they think of me now by the sea? The pavement is burning and bare, I am dying by inches, poor me! What of that? After all, it is “only a cat!” You have left me to die, but I say That when you have once made a friend, And loved him a little each day, You should love him straight on to the end! Think of that! Even should he be “only a cat!”