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Often
anthologised, this passage from Christopher Smart’s eccentric
18th century masterpiece Jubilate Agno brims over with
the prankish playfulness and sudden ferocity of one of the
literary world’s most famous cats. Jeoffry’s quick
spirit illuminates Smart’s celebratory poem to become
an embodiment of spiritual devotion, anticipating William
Blake’s ‘Tygerish’ energies in all their glory.
View
the first pages of Cat Jeoffry
For
he is hated by the hypocrite and miser.
For the former is afraid of detection.
For the latter refuses the charge.
For he camels his back to bear the first notion of business.
For he is good to think on, is a man would express himself
neatly.
For he made a great figure in egypt for his signal services.
For he killed the Ichneumon-rat very pernicious by land.
For his ears are so acute that they sting again.
For from this proceeds the passing quickness of his attention.
For by stroaking of him I have found out electricity.
For I perceived God's light about him both wax and fire.
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