While speaking of the affection of cats, I must not forget to mention a
notable example of it shown by the favourite cat of a young nobleman in
the days of Queen Elizabeth.
For some political offence he had been shut up in prison, and had long
pined in solitude, when he was startled by hearing a slight noise in the
chimney. On looking up, great was his surprise and delight to see his
favourite cat bound over the hearth towards him, purring joyfully at the
meeting. She had probably been shut up for some time before she had
made her escape, and then she must have sought her master, traversing
miles of steep and slippery roofs, along dangerous parapets, and through
forests of chimney-stacks, urged on by the strength of her attachment,
and guided by a mysterious instinct, till she discovered the funnel
which led into his prison chamber.
Certainly it was not by chance she made the discovery, nor was it
exactly reason that conducted her to the spot. By whatever means she
found it, we must regard the affectionate little creature as the very
"Blondel of cats."
Never spare trouble or exertion to serve a friend, or to please those
you are bound to please. Remember the prisoner's cat.