THE CAT

My children, you should imitate

The harmless, necessary cat,

Who eats whatever's on his plate,

And does n't even leave the fat;

Who never stays in bed too late,

Or does immoral things like that;

Instead of saying,‘ Sha n'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 shady lair 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!