Who broke the lamp, and in the gloom
A ball of fire flew round the room,
And just escaped an awful doom?
Poor Dinah.

Who, to defend her kittens twain,
Flew at big dogs with might and main,
And scratched them till they howled with pain?
Brave Dinah.

Who at the table takes her seat
With all the family to eat,
And picks up every scrap of meat?
My Dinah.

Who watched beside me every day,
As on my feverish couch I lay,
And whiled the tedious hours away?
Dear Dinah.

And when thou art no longer here,
Over thy grave I'll shed a tear,
For thou to me wast very dear,
Black Dinah.'

"Did you really used to set a chair for her at the table and let her eat
with the folks?" Fanny Eldridge asked.

"Well, Fannie, that statement must be taken with some allowance.
Occasionally when there was plenty of room she was allowed to sit by me,