and made him turn the spit on which was the
roast meat, like a dog. He was given a room in
the garret, in which to sleep, which was overrun
with rats and mice. But Dick had brought up
from his country town with him his dear cat, and
this cat soon drove away the tormentors.

A grateful cat! no mice might live
Where she put up to dwell,

And Whittington could sweetly sleep
While puss watched o’er his cell.

Now it happened that soon after this, the merchant,
Mr. Fitzwarren, had a ship ready to sail with
various commodities, which were to be sold or
eacbenece for others, whereby he would gain great
profit.

Now it was customary at that time for a master
to ask his servants if they would like to venture
their little savings in the same vessel, and so give
them a chance of turning their money over and
increasing their little stores.

Now all the servants in Mr. Fitzwarren’s house
gave up something to embark in the venture, and
the master asked Dick Whittington what he would
put into the ship. But poor Dick had nothing
save his pussy-cat, and rather than not have some
share in the venture, but with tears in his eyes, he
gave up his cat, at the advice of Alice, the mer-
chant’s daughter. So says the ballad—

Now by the strand a gallant ship
Lay ready to set sail,
When spoke the merchant, ‘Ho! prepare
To catch the fav’ring gale;
And each who will his fortune try,
Haste, get your goods on board,
The gains ye all shall share with me,
Whate’er they may afford ;
125

WHIT-
TINGTON
AND HIS
CAT