A Philosophic Cat


A young cat, which sometimes was permitted the indulgence of taking her

place in the domestic circle, upon the carpet before the fire in the

parlour, one day came in when one of the party was spinning upon a line

wheel. Having never seen such a thing before, she became extremely alarmed

by its appearance and motion. She couched down in an attitude of fear and

of investigation; and yet at such a distance as would admit of a speedy
/>
retreat if it should prove to be alive, and an enemy. She crept slowly all

along the wheel, with her eyes steadily fixed on it, and with a very

singular expression of countenance, till at length, not being able to

satisfy herself, she retreated towards the door, impatiently waiting to

make her escape; which she did the moment it was in her power, with great

precipitation.



The next morning, when she came into the room, the wheel then standing

still, she advanced courageously towards it, and after an apparently

careful examination, walking all round, ventured upon the further

experiment of endeavouring to ascertain with her paw whether there was

really anything to be apprehended from it. Still not finding any motion,

our philosopher of the Newtonian school, satisfied that she had nothing to

fear, seated herself quietly by the fire; and the next time she saw it in

motion, she sprang gaily forward, and enjoyed her triumph, by playing with

the object of her former terror.



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