Classic Poem

A CAT , one day, a sparrow caught;
About to eat her up,
" Stop! " cried the sparrow. " Gentlemen
Should wash before they sup. "
Grimalkin paused. To be presumed
So fine was rather nice.
" Quite true, " he said and dropped the bird,
To follow her advice.

Off flew the sparrow. " Ah; you rogue, "
Cried pussy, in a rage,
" So that's your game? But I'll be wise
In future, I'll engage!
I 'll never wash before I eat,
But after. " Which is still
A fashion that the cats keep up,
And, doubtless, always will.