Tip'S Kitten

The master,--he loved my kitten, my kitten; She was still too weak to stand, When he placed her upon one hand, And over it laid the other, And looked at me kindly, and said, "Tip, you're a proud little mother!"

For they'd left me but one, my kitten, my kitten-- As sweet as a kitten could be-- And I loved her for all the three They had taken away without warning. I watched her from daylight till dark, Watched her from night until morning!

I never left my kitten, my kitten (For I feared--and I loved her so!) Till I thought it time she should know That cats in the house have a duty, And a right to be proud of their skill, As well as their grace and their beauty.

I only left my kitten, my kitten, A few short moments in all, To punish the mouse in the wall, Each day growing bolder and bolder; And I brought her the mouse to show What kittens must do when older.

I brought her the mouse--my kitten, my kitten! I tossed it, I caught it for her; But she would not see, nor stir. My heart it beat fast and faster; And I caught her up in my mouth, And carried her so, to the master.

I thought he would help--my kitten, my kitten! And I laid her down at his feet-- (Never a kitten so sweet, And he knew that I had no other!) But he only said, "Poor Tip, 'Tis a sad day for you, little mother!"