Their names were "Flossie," "Snowball," "Smut,"
With "Kit," and little "Mew."

One day on foraging intent,
She leaped upon a cage,
But after sniffing round a while
Vexed thoughts her mind engage.

"How very sad it is," thought she,
"That every single linnet
Has been removed before we came!
The cage has nothing in it!

"However, I have dined to-day,
So now for quiet rest;
My children, you may go and play,
For frolic suits you best."

With folded paws she laid her down,
And meditative look,
While every wicked little cat
Its own diversion took.

Said Snowball to his brother Kit,
"Get out of this--now do;
For Smut and I, we live in here,
And there's no room for you!

"And Smut feels rather sick to-day,
He told me so just now;