the cat - World eBook Library

=THE CAT
rival, the mutual fear which restrained, not only
teeth and claws, but even all tones of defiance,
the mutual agitation of their tails, and lastly the
manner in which Hurley retreated, like Ajax, still
keeping his face towards his old antagonist. The
overture, I fear, was not received as generously as
it was made ; for no sooner had Hurlyburlybuss re-
covered strength than hostilities were recommenced
with greater violence than ever; Rumpel, who had
not abused his superiority when he possessed it,
having acquired meantime a confidence which made
him keep the field.
Dreadful were the combats which ensued, as
their ears, faces and legs bear witness. We are
often obliged to interfere and separate them. Oh,
it is awful to hear the note with which they prelude
their encounters. The long, low growl slowly rises
and swells until it becomes a yowl, and then it is
snapped short by a sound which seems as though
they were spitting fire and venom at each other.
All means of reconciling them, and making them
understand how goodly a thing it is for cats to dwell
together in peace, are in vain. The proceedings
of the Society for the Abolishment of War are
not more utterly ineffectual and hopeless.
Memoir of the Cats of Greta Hall.
Robert Southey.
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