THE TIMID KITTEN.

THERE was a little kitten once, Who was of dogs afraid, And, being by no means a dunce, His plans he boldly made. He said, “It’s only on the land That dogs run after me, So I will buy a catboat, and I’ll sail away to sea. “Out there from dogs I’ll be secure, And each night, ere I sleep, To make assurance doubly sure, A dog watch I will keep.” He bought a catboat, hired a crew, And one fine summer day Triumphantly his flag he flew, And gayly sailed away. But in midocean one midnight— ’Twas very, very dark— The pilot screamed in sudden fright, “I hear a passing bark!” “Oh, what is that?” the kitten said. The pilot said, “I fear An ocean greyhound’s just ahead, And drawing very near.” “Alack!” the kitten cried, “alack! This is no paltry pup! An ocean greyhound’s on my track! I may as well give up!”