Wednesday, July 6, 2011

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.

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