f sad condition.

[Illustration]

And, in plain terms, she would describe
Those terrors of the mousing tribe,
In every form and feature;
And then she would pourtray the Cat
Sworn enemy of Mouse or Rat,
A most voracious creature.

Now, being grown both stout and strong,
They thought they had remained too long
In idleness at home;
And now their food they daily sought,
And of their mother little thought
While they abroad did roam.

One fatal hour, with spirits gay,
Far from their home they strolled away,
And reached a lone farm-house;
Abundance, there, was found to eat;
It had been long a known retreat
To many a wandering mouse.

[Illustration]

But now the housewife saw, dismayed,
The waste so many mice had made,
And did a trap procure.
"And if I catch a mouse," said she,
"No mercy shall it find from me;
From mice my pantry I'll secure."

Agreeing once to sup at home,
A different way the brothers roam;
Each finds a different fate.
Soon nimble Spot the pantry found,
And views the eatables around,
With consequence elate.

[Illustration]

And in the midst a trap there stood,
Made strong with wire and with wood,
And baited with fresh-toasted cheese.
"Dear me!" said the admiring mouse,
"What do I see?--a pretty house,
Constructed me to please.

"What silly things these mothers are,"
Said he, with a conceited air;
"What cause is there for fear?
This door is very high and wide,
Myself and twenty more beside,
Might safely enter here."

Then in he rushed, and seized the bait,
And soon the dainty morsel ate,
Then turned to go away.
But, ah! poor mouse, he finds the door,
Which he so freely passed before,
Compels him now to stay.

[Illustration]

Now his kind mother's warnings rise,
And place before his weeping eyes,
Grim death in every shape.
Alas! poor prisoner Spot can see
No prospect left of liberty,
No chance of his escape.

Now turn we to the kitchen side,
And see what fortune can betide
Poor Streak, who there is gone;
Where by a blazing fire there sat
A glossy, well-fed tabby cat,
Half sleeping, and alone.

[Illustration]

With veneration mixed with awe,
For the first time, a cat he saw
And thus expressed his mind:--
"Can this meek creature prove," said he,
"The cat--so oft described to me,--
Devourer of our kind."

And now, to have a nearer view,
Closer and closer still, he drew,
And hears her softly purring;
"Ah