Quill

[Mr. Christopher Smart settles himself down to write.]

Time is passing! I must make a start before the day is wasted. Where was it I placed my quill? There—I have it. Quill; ink; paper—all in order. Now, let me see:

For I will consider my cat Jeoffry.

A satisfactory beginning, I have to say. You observe, Jeoffry, you are to be the subject of this verse. I trust you are flattered by the compliment. To continue—

For he is the servant—

What's that? What is the matter, Jeoffry? Your plate is there by the door, as always. See—I place a few more scraps on your plate. Be content now.

For he is the servant of the living God—

You have finished already? Well, you may stretch out by the fire and return to sleep while I resume my work. Where was I? I have lost my train of thought. What was I about to write? Confound it, how am I to make any progress today! Of course, I have it—

                                                    —duly and daily serving him.

That was it! Good. What comes next? Let me see—No, Jeoffry, off the table with you—you will upset the ink again. Off, off! Now there are paw prints all across the page! You are trying my patience today—What now? You wish to go out? This is too much—! I have to get to my feet again! There—out with you! Now perhaps I will get something done!

For—for—

I cannot think straight any longer. Distraction upon distraction.

For—

What is that noise? What is it—scratching? Scratching at the door—! Heaven preserve us!