Catania

The Gossips tell a story of the Sparrow and the Cat,
The Feline thin and hungry and the Bird exceeding fat.
With eager, famished energy and claws of gripping steel,
Puss pounced upon the Sparrow and prepared to make a meal.

The Sparrow never struggled when he found that he was caught
(If somewhat slow in action he was mighty quick of thought),
But chirped in simple dignity that seemed to fit the case,
— No Gentleman would ever eat before he'd washed his face! —

This hint about his Manners wounded Thomas like a knife
(For Cats are great observers of the Niceties of Life);
He paused to lick his paws, which seemed the Proper Thing to do, —
And, chirruping derisively, away the Sparrow flew!

In helpless, hopeless hunger at the Sparrow on the bough,
Poor Thomas glowered longingly, and vowed a Solemn Vow:
— Henceforth I'll eat my dinner first, then wash myself! — — And that's
The Universal Etiquette for Educated Cats.
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