The kitten I have before-mentioned, who was a great favourite with MissMeekly, was never allowed to enter her bed-chamber; but one day, the weather being extremely warm, and the door left open, it walked in, and laid itself down at a little distance from the window, in a spot where the sun shone; the shutters being half closed to exclude the heat.Elizawas employed in putting a pair of ruffles into her jacket, and I lay in her lap securely as I imagined, till a carriage stopping at the gate, she precipitately jumped up to look out at the visiters, and in her haste let me fall upon the floor. Her motion was so sudden and unexpected that I could not save myself, or check the velocity with which I was impelled. So that I unfortunately rolled on, till I touched the edge of a bookcase; and discovered myself to Mrs.Puss, who hooked me with her claws, and twisted me round several times, with as much dexterity as if I had been spinning; or, to use a more proper simile, as if I had represented a mouse. I afforded her great, entertainment for some time, till at last I found myself a second time under one of the feet of the bookcase, and so fast wedged in, that it was beyond the art of even a kitten’s invention, to extricate me from my situation. Mrs.Stanleycoming up stairs, MissMeeklyturned out my antagonist, and with unavailing care searched for me in every drawer, on every table, and upon the bed.
Long have I remained in this dull state of obscurity and confinement, unable to make known my distress, as I want the power of articulation: at least my language can be only understood to things inanimate as myself. A pen, however, which fell down near me, engaged to present these memoirs to the world, if ever it should be employed by the hand of kindness, to rescue my name from oblivion. Should the eye of youth read this account with any pleasure, it is hoped the candour of generosity will over look its imperfections; and should fate, in some fortunate moment of futurity, again restore me to the possession of MissMeekly, or any of her companions, my gratitude will engage me to thank the public for its indulgence, and to continue the account of my adventures.
If I am not so happy as to meet with approbation, I shall at least have the consolation to reflect, that these pages have suggested no wrong ideas to the youthful mind, have given no encouragement to vanity, nor exhibited any improper example with commendation; which is what better Authors, and works of higher genius cannot always be happy enough to boast. Such as it is, I submit this account of myself to the world, and only desire them to remember, in the words of the admiredGay, That
“From objects most minute and mean,A virtuous mind may morals glean.”
“From objects most minute and mean,A virtuous mind may morals glean.”
“From objects most minute and mean,A virtuous mind may morals glean.”
“From objects most minute and mean,
A virtuous mind may morals glean.”
THEADVENTURESOF APINCUSHION.
THEADVENTURESOF APINCUSHION.
THE
ADVENTURES
OF A
PINCUSHION.