What doth compel a man to love a cat?
The dog is better suited to his pleasure
than this idling creature often grown fat,
whose indulgences know no steadfast measure.
Yet I'm drawn by this natural conceit,
that a common beast should groom its coat,
and in idler moments still, lick its feet,
rather than on some human master dote.
For it is said that the feline is curious;
as am I, a monkey with simple verse—
redeemed, if not altogether spurious.
Besides, I can imagine what's far worse.
Better a cat with a cautious, easy stride
than a politician without due pride.