As in her ancient mistress' lap The youthful Tabby lay, They gave each other many a tap, Alike disposed to play. But strife ensues. Puss waxes warm, And with protruded claws Ploughs all the length of Lydia's arm, Mere wantonness the cause. At once, resentful of the deed, She shakes her to the ground, With many a threat that she shall bleed With still a deeper wound. But, Lydia, bid thy fury rest; It was a venial stroke: For she that will with kittens jest Should bear a kitten's joke. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...CINQUAIN: THE WARNING by ADELAIDE CRAPSEY EPITAPH UPON A CHILD THAT DIED by ROBERT HERRICK THE CHURCH OF A DREAM; TO BERNHARD BERENSON by LIONEL PIGOT JOHNSON VERSES ON SEEING THE SPEAKER ASLEEP IN HIS CHAIR by WINTHROP MACKWORTH PRAED THE VOICE OF THE SEA by THOMAS BAILEY ALDRICH |