THE KITTEN AND THE FALLING LEAVES.

SEE the kitten on the wall,[1] Sporting with the leaves that fall[2] Withered leaves—one, two and three—[3] From the lofty elder-tree![4] Through the calm and frosty air Of this morning bright and fair,[5] Eddying round and round, they sink[6] Softly, softly. One might think, From the motions that are made,[6] Every little leaf conveyed Sylph or fairy hither tending,[7] To this lower world descending,[8] Each invisible and mute,[9] In his wavering parachute.[10] But the kitten, how she starts,[1] Crouches, stretches, paws, and darts![11] First at one and then its fellow,[12] Just as light and just as yellow: There are many now—now one;[13] Now they stop, and there are none.[14] What intenseness of desire In her upward eye of fire![15] With a tiger-leap half-way Now she meets the coming prey,[16] Lets it go as fast,[17] and then Has it in her power again;[16] Now she works with three or four,[18] Like an Indian conjurer; Quick as he in feats of art,[19] Far beyond in joy of heart.[20] Were her antics played in the eye Of a thousand standers-by,[21] Clapping hands with shout and stare,[22] What would little Tabby care[1] For the plaudits of the crowd,[22] Over-happy to be proud, Over-wealthy in the treasure[23] Of her own exceeding pleasure![20]