Sitting at a window, In her cloak and hat I saw Mother  Tabbyskins, the real old cat.

 Very old, very old crumplety and lame. Teaching kittens how to scold, is it not a shame.

Kittens in the garden, looking in her face. Learning how to spit and swear.

 Oh what a disgrace!!

Very wrong, very wrong, very wrong and bad. Such a subject for our song. Makes us all too sad.

Old Mother Tabbyskins sticking out her head, gave a howl and then a yowl, hobbled off to bed.

Very sick, very sick, very savage too. Pray send for a doctor quick - any one will do.

Doctor Mouse came creeping, creeping to her bed. Lanced her gums and felt her pulse. Whispered she was dead.

Very sly, very sly, the real old cat. Open kept her weather eye - Mouse! beware of that!

Old Mother Tabbyskins, saying serves him right, gobbled up the doctor with infinite delight.

Very fast, very fast, very pleasant too. What a pity it cant last. Bring another, do !!

Doctor Dog comes running, just to see her begs. Round his neck a comforter. Trousers on his legs.

Very grand, very grand, golden headed cane, swinging gaily from his hand. Mischief in his brain!!

Dear Mother Tabbyskins, and how are you now ?  Let me feel your pulse - so, so. Show me your tongue - bow wow.

Very ill, very ill. Please attempt to purr. Will you take a draught or pill ? Which do you prefer?

Ah Mother Tabbyskins, who is now afraid? Of poor little Doctor Mouse, you a mouthful made.

Very nice, very nice, little Doctor he, but for Doctor Dogs advice, you must pay the fee.

Doctor Dog comes nearer, says she must be bled. I heard Mother Tabbyskins screaming in her bed.

Very near, very near, scuffling out and in. Doctor Dog looks full and queer. Where is Tabbyskins ?

I will tell the moral, without any fuss. Those who lead the young astray, always suffer thus.

Very nice, very nice, let our conduct be. For all the Doctors are not mice. Some are Dogs you see !!

by Elizabeth Anna Hart 1822-1888