The dormouse has been highly rated
(and justly) for his celebrated
Mimicking of thunder.

I know some friends who'd journey miles
To see a bat's face wreathed in smiles,
They say it's grandly funny!
To see a buzzard drink port wine
Another eager friend of mine
Would pay no end of money.

But that which most appeals to me--
I know my taste may curious be--
Is--not a mouse in mittens.
It is to see a homely cat,
Dressed up in an old battered hat,
A-walking with her kittens!

[Illustration: Mrs. Tabby and Her Kittens.]

"One would think from the verses, that you and Mr. Crow were very good
friends," your Aunt Amy suggested, and Mrs. Mouser said with a purr of
content:

"We have always got along very well together, and I hope we always
shall, for really, say what you please about that old bird, it wouldn't
be pleasant to have him making sport of you in his verses. We are
neither of us as much in love with ourselves as were the peacock and the
crane, therefore I don't fancy we shall ever have any very serious
trouble."