The Cat
Reading edition
(Advice to the Young)
MY children, you should imitate The harmless, necessary cat, Who eats whatever's on his plate, And doesn't even leave the fat; Who never stays in bed too late, Or does immoral things like that; Instead of saying "Shan't!" or "Bosh!" He'll sit and wash, and wash, and wash! When shadows fall and lights grow dim He sits beneath the kitchen stair; Regardless as to life and limb, A simple couch he chooses there; And if you tumble over him, He simply loves to hear you swear. And, while bad language you prefer, He'll sit and purr, and purr, and purr!
The Cat.
