CSB 2)

At one time he approached near the cup,
When our Pussy tripped him and it up
Ere his nose could creep o’er the brink.
Then she cried, ‘I’ve been playing the fool ;
For ’tis easy to drink from a pool.
I must look precious sharp to prevent him.
With my claws I must keep him at bay,
Whilst my tail sweeps the liquor away,
Or I fear I shall not circumvent him.’
Cried the Mouse, ‘Are you fond, miss, of fish ?
For I lately have sent down a dish—
A cod’s head and prime oyster-sauce.
If you're hungry, I’ve got a fat hare,
Of pheasants a charming young pair,
And a pigeon-pie for the third course.’
But, lo! Puss, with a terrible laugh,
Cried, ‘I’m not to be caught, sir, with chaff.
I shall kill but I don’t care to eat you.
I this country would rid of a pest ;
And no doubt I shall dine with a zest,
After trouble I’ve had to defeat you.’
A scuffle, a scrimmage, a valiant attack,
And the mouse (alias Ogre) is turned on his back,
And his head has been scrunched by the cat.
It was rather a tussle, for one or two sips
He had sucked from the floor, which, in passing his lips,
Had made him as big as a rat.
Her position peculiar some care will require,
So she first popped her host at the back of the fire,
Then the cup to the cupboard restored.
‘And now all is straight, I to dine must make leisure ;
After business is over, they say, should come pleasure.
Let us see what this house can afford,’