Cat Morgan

CAT MORGAN INTRODUCES HIMSELF

from "Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats"

T.S. ELIOT

I once was a Pirate what sailed the 'igh seas --

But now I've retired as a com-mission-aire:

And that's how you find me a-takin' my ease

And keepin' the door in a Bloomsbury Square.

I'm partial to partridges, likewise to grouse,

And I favour the Devonshire cream in a bowl;

But I'm allus content with a drink on the 'ouse

And a bit o' cold fish when I done me patrol.

I ain't got much polish, me manners is gruff,

But I've got a good coat, and I keep meself smart;

And everyone says, and I guess that's enough:

'You can't but like Morgan, 'e's got a kind 'art.'

I got knocked about on the Barbary Coast,

And me voice it ain't no sich melliferous horgan;

But yet I can state, and I'm not one to boast,

That some of the gals is dead keen on old Morgan.

So if you 'ave business with Faber -- or Faber --

I'll give you this tip, and it's worth a lot more:

You'll save yourself time, and you'll spare yourself labour

If jist you make friends with the Cat at the door.

     Morgan.

NOTE:  The musical "Cats" is based on T.S. Eliot's collection of cat poems.