The Adventures of Tom Bombadil

12 THE CAT



The fat cat on the mat



may seem to dream



of nice mice that suffice



for him, or cream;



but he free, maybe,



walks in thought



unbowed, proud, where loud



roared and fought



his kin, lean and slim,



or deep in den



in the East feasted on beasts



and tender men.



The giant lion with iron



claw in paw,



and huge ruthless tooth



in gory jaw;



the paid dark-starred,



fleet upon feet,



that oft soft from aloft



leaps on his meat



where woods loom in gloom-



far now they be,



fierce and free,



and tamed is he;



but fat cat on the mat



kept as a pet,



he does not forget.