A monkey, being fond of nuts,
Thought he would have some roasted;
But how was he to get them done,
Not liking to be toasted?
A poor young cat was passing by,
And innocently watches;
The wicked monkey saw her stop,
And at his victim snatches.
"Dear pussy, you are just the one
That I've been looking out for;
How beautiful you look to-day,
But tell me what you pout for!
Upon my word I long have had
For you a fond affection;
Now you shall stay and dine with me,
Or take some slight refection."
"Twas no use for poor puss to speak,
Or offer to deny him,
The monkey had her in his grasp,
And she could not deny him.
So he began to laugh and chat,
And show a few grimaces;
Oh! if you had but seen, like me,
The contrast of their faces.
He put some nuts into her paw,
And he the fire approaches,
As if a salamander she.
Or made of young cockroaches.
The poor cat now began to squall,
Her face the fire attacking;
And sadly too, her paw was burnt,
The while the nuts were cracking.
The monkey having feasted well
Began to snarl and grumble,
That he should be so taken in
With nuts he scarce could mumble.
"Dear me," he said, "how they are burnt,"
And at poor pussy looking,
"I cannot think how I could bear
Such miserable cooking.
And what a fuss you make about
A little bit of warning;
I've often done the thing myself--
There's nothing so alarming.
Now take this for yourself," he said,
"And next time be less squalling:"
Then gave the cat a hearty cuff,
Which sent the poor thing sprawling.
"Now let me give you this advice,
For I am one of letters:
Leave off your rude, obstreperous way,
When you are with your betters.
And think yourself well off," he said,
"That I had mercy on you;
For many would have sent you home
Without a dress upon you."