Poor Puss.

Oh, Harry! my dear, do not kick the poor cat,

For, Pussy, I’m sure, will not thank you for that;

She was doing no harm, as she sat on the mat.

Suppose some great giant, amazingly strong,

Were often to kick you and drive you along;

Now, would you not think it exceedingly wrong?

And, Harry, I think you’re as greatly to blame,

When you serve poor pussy exactly the same,

For she’s very gentle, and quiet, and tame.

She is under the table, quite out of your way,

But why should you tease her and drive her away?

She takes it in earnest, if you think it play.

There, now go and call her, and stroke her again,

And never, my love, give poor animals pain,

For you know, when you hurt them, they cannot complain.