As in her ancient mistress' lap The youthful Tabby lay, They gave each other many a tap, Alike disposed to play. But strife ensues. Puss waxes warm, And with protruded claws Ploughs all the length of Lydia's arm, Mere wantonness the cause. At once, resentful of the deed, She shakes her to the ground, With many a threat that she shall bleed With still a deeper wound. But, Lydia, bid thy fury rest; It was a venial stroke: For she that will with kittens jest Should bear a kitten's joke. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...HARRY PLOUGHMAN by GERARD MANLEY HOPKINS ASTROPHEL AND STELLA: 83 by PHILIP SIDNEY ST. SIMEON STYLITES by ALFRED TENNYSON TO THE GIRL WHO HELPED IN THE WAR by JOSEPHINE DODGE DASKAM BACON THE BATTLE OF THE PIGMIES AND THE CRANES by JAMES BEATTIE |