My children, you should imitate
The harmless, necessary cat,
Who eats whatever's on his plate,
And does n't even leave the fat;
Who never stays in bed too late,
Or does immoral things like that;
Instead of saying,‘ Sha n't!’ or‘ Bosh!’
He'll sit and wash, and wash, and wash!
When shadows fall and lights grow dim,
He sits beneath the kitchen stair;
Regardless as to life and limb,
A shady lair he chooses there;
And if you tumble over him,
He simply loves to hear you swear.
And, while bad language you prefer,
He'll sit and purr, and purr, and purr!