I wonder what charm there can be in fur?
The kitten curls up and begins to purr,
The puppy tumbles about in the rug
In his silly way and gives it a hug,
And mousekin, that even a shadow can scare,
For a moment lies still in the long, soft hair
Then slips away to its home in the wall.
Can it be--poor darlings! that each and all
Believe 'tis their mother, and hasten to her?
All babies, I think, love old Mother Fur;
For my little brother--too little to speak--
See how he nestles his peach-blossom cheek
In the velvet coat that the tiger wore,
As it lies stretched out at length on the floor!
Tiger, if you were alive--dear me!
I shudder to think how cruel you'd be.
No doubt in your day you did harm enough,
But now you're safe as my tippet or muff!
You, too, I will call (since you never can stir)
Old Mother Fur, kind Mother Fur!