The master,—he loved my kitten, my kitten;
She was still too weak to stand,
When he placed her upon one hand,
And over it laid the other,
And looked at me kindly, and said,
"Tip, you're a proud little mother!"
For they'd left me but one, my kitten, my kitten—
As sweet as a kitten could be—
And I loved her for all the three
They had taken away without warning.
I watched her from daylight till dark,
Watched her from night until morning!
I never left my kitten, my kitten
(For I feared—and I loved her so!)
Till I thought it time she should know
That cats in the house have a duty,
And a right to be proud of their skill,
As well as their grace and their beauty.
I only left my kitten, my kitten,
A few short moments in all,
To punish the mouse in the wall,
Each day growing bolder and bolder;
And I brought her the mouse to show
What kittens must do when older.
I brought her the mouse—my kitten, my kitten!
I tossed it, I caught it for her;
But she would not see, nor stir.
My heart it beat fast and faster;
And I caught her up in my mouth,
And carried her so, to the master.
I thought he would help—my kitten, my kitten!
And I laid her down at his feet—
(Never a kitten so sweet,
And he knew that I had no other!)
But he only said, "Poor Tip,
'Tis a sad day for you, little mother!"