The Parrot and the Cat

A Man once bought a Parrot and gave it the run of his house. It revelled in its liberty, and presently flew up on to the mantelpiece and screamed away to its heart’s content. The noise disturbed the Cat, who was asleep on the hearthrug. Looking up at the intruder, she said, “Who may you be, and where have you come from?” The Parrot replied, “Your master has just bought me and brought me home with him.” “You impudent bird,” said the Cat, “how dare you, a newcomer, make a noise like that? Why, I was born here, and have lived here all my life, and yet, if I venture to mew, they throw things at me and chase me all over the place.” “Look here, mistress,” said the Parrot, “you just hold your tongue. My voice they delight in; but yours—yours is a perfect nuisance.”