Classic Poem

Into the dimness of a chamber closed,
Curtained with care and full of slumb'rous rest,
A ray of light came, sloped from the west,
To the small cradle where a child reposed —
A dainty cradle, laced and satin-rosed
By mother's hand, and in its fairy nest
The child soft slumbered, by the angels blest —
Near it lay Mouser, white-furred and pink-nosed:
The cat was motionless as if of clay,
Until the gold ray moved upon the floor
O'er crimson carpet in its wanton game, —
Then all a-sudden Mouser saw the ray
And chased it till it vanished evermore:
Ah, sleeping child, thus we chase wealth and fame!