The Poetry Corner

The Mysterious Cat

By Vachel Lindsay

A chant for a children's pantomime dance, suggested by a picture painted by George Mather Richards. I saw a proud, mysterious cat, I saw a proud, mysterious cat Too proud to catch a mouse or rat - Mew, mew, mew. But catnip she would eat, and purr, But catnip she would eat, and purr. And goldfish she did much prefer - Mew, mew, mew. I saw a cat - 'twas but a dream, I saw a cat - 'twas but a dream Who scorned the slave that brought her cream - Mew, mew, mew. Unless the slave were dressed in style, Unless the slave were dressed in style And knelt before her all the while - Mew, mew, mew. Did you ever hear of a thing like that? Did you ever hear of a thing like that? Did you ever hear of a thing like that? Oh, what a proud mysterious cat. Oh, what a proud mysterious cat. Oh, what a proud mysterious cat. Mew... mew... mew.