VERSES ON A CAT.
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Published by Hogg, "Life of Shelley", 1858; dated 1800.] 1.A cat in distress,Nothing more, nor less;Good folks, I must faithfully tell ye,As I am a sinner,It waits for some dinner _5To stuff out its own little belly. 2.You would not easily guessAll the modes of distressWhich torture the tenants of earth;And the various evils, _10Which like so many devils,Attend the poor souls from their birth. 3.Some a living require,And others desireAn old fellow out of the way; _15And which is the bestI leave to be guessed,For I cannot pretend to say. 4.One wants society,Another variety, _20Others a tranquil life;Some want food,Others, as good,Only want a wife. 5.But this poor little cat _25Only wanted a rat,To stuff out its own little maw;And it were as goodSOME people had such food,To make them HOLD THEIR JAW! _30 *** FRAGMENT: OMENS. [Published by Medwin, "Shelley Papers", 1833; dated 1807.] Hark! the owlet flaps his wingsIn the pathless dell beneath;Hark! 'tis the night-raven singsTidings of approaching death. ***
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