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 140 all the temerity of ignorance, "not in anger, but in the way of philosophic inquiry and examination."

Cowper, who always made a point of looking at things before he described them, which habit enabled him to convince eighteenth century readers that there was such a thing as Nature, watched the three kittens gathered close around the viper, regarding him with polite attention, and speculating innocently on his possibilities as a playmate.

He also watched on more than one occasion their sedate and serious parent, the "Retired Cat," who loved, like himself, a quiet corner in which to sit and think.

"I know not where she caught the trick,—

Nature perhaps herself had cast her

In such a mould philosophique,

Or else she learned it of her Master.

Sometimes ascending, débonnaire,

An apple-tree, or lofty pear,

Lodged with convenience in the fork,

She watched the gardener at his work;

Sometimes her ease and solace sought