A SAD TALE.
Reading edition
WHO’S afraid of a cat?” said he; “I’m not afraid of a cat.” He was a bird who sat on a rail, With five other birds, and this was his tale. “I’m not afraid of a cat.”
“I might be afraid if I were a mouse, Or even if I were a rat: But as I’m a bird I give you my word I’m not afraid of a cat.”
A cat and her kits came down on the scene, Five birds flew over the rail; Our hero was caught As quick as a thought, And didn’t he alter his tale!
“You’ve made a mistake, Mister Cat,” said he; “You must please let me go, Mister Cat. I’m not at all nice, I don’t taste like mice: You’d much better have a young rat.” Said the cat, “It’s no use, You may be a goose, I’ll not let you go for all that.”
