Bounce, a wire-haired Terrier;
Tip, a tortoise-shell Cat;
An old and faithful Servant of both.
Prologue by Old Servant, as follows:
We three before the fire, one night,
Had but its flickering blaze for light —
My dog, my cat, on either side;
I mused, while they grew sleepy-eyed.
But, if they waked, or if they slept,
Still each some watch on other kept.
Now what is this, good Bounce, good Tip,
That mars your perfect fellowship?
Speak up! Speak up! you, Tip,— you, Bounce,
Your mutual grievances announce.
At this my dog awoke from doze,
Drew near, and thrust a foolish nose
Beneath my hand; then, deeply sighed.
Her gold-stone eyes Tip opened wide,
The middle of the hearth she took,
And cast on Bounce a scornful look;
And then, this colloquy began,
Which I record as best I can.