Cat at Banquet killing Rats.

“Oh!” said the King, “what sums I'd give to rid me of these vile
Detested rats, whose ravages our bed and board defile!”

Now, hearing this, the sailors straight bethought them of the Cat,

_ And said, “O King, we ‘ll quickly rid your palace of each rat.”.
“Indeed!” the King, delighted, said; “go fetch her quick as thought,
For such a treasure many a year I’ve long and vainly sought;

And should she prove as ye have said, your ship shall loaded be
With gold in heaps, so rich a prize I deem your Cat to be.”

And now the Cat did soon qatar such feats as neer were seen;
Oh, how the scampering, mangled rats amused the King and Queen!
Rich treasures now for Whittington were sent on board the ship,
That, laden with a golden freight, did let her cables slip,

And stood for England, while the breeze a fav'ring impulse lent,

As if for sake of Whittington both ship and breeze were sent.

And soon again the bells rang forth a loud and merry strain,

For wealth and honours crowded now on Whittington amain.

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