ABSTRACT
You must know, then, this kitten, though brought up by me In the carefulest manner that kitten could be, 30 ‘With the strictest attention’ (as say school credentials) ‘To manners and morals,’ and all those essentials; And though ’twas a good little cat in its way, Well-behaved and complying - indeed, I may say, On the whole (though the genius of some might be brisker), 35 A well-meaning mouser as ever wore whisker; Yet candour compels me, dear children, to own, To some naughty tricks Master Merlin was prone. ’Twas one of his fancies (the queerest of all) To roll himself up like a little round ball, 40 In the great kitchen coal-box. I’ve mentioned, you know, That his coat was all over as black as a crow; And when he lay cuddled up there, not a soul Would have known him, I’m sure, from a Newcastle coal.
