the cat - World eBook Library

In Memoriam
THE CAT
Alas, Grosvenor, this day died poor old Rumpel,
after as long and happy a life as cat could wish
for, if cats form wishes on that subject.
titles were: —
His full
" The most Noble the Archduke Rumpelstiltz-
chen, Marquis Macbum, Earl Tomlemagne, Baron
Raticide, Waowhler, and Skaratch."
There should be a court mourning in Catland,
and if the Dragon * wear a black ribbon round his
neck, or a band of crape, a la militaire, on one of
his fore legs, it will be but a becoming mark of
respect.
As we have no catacombs here, he is to be de-
cently interred in the orchard, and catmint planted
on his grave. Poor creature, it is well that he has
thus come to his end, since he had grown to be an
object of pity. I believe we are, each and all,
servants included, more sorry for his loss, or rather
more affected by it, than any one of us would like
to confess.
I should not have written to you at present, had
it not been to notify you of this event.
Robert Southey to Grosvenor C. Bedford,
i Bedford's cat.
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