Chapter 14: Old Deuteronomy
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Man, why do people have to be so harsh?
It was just a song! And now Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer are getting lectured by Mom and Dad. And everyone else was looking on with amusement. Seriously, these cats can be mean! I looked around in curious-ity, and noticed something wierd-Quaxo was sniffing the air, and his ears were twitching. I raised my eyebrow. "Quax?" I asked him.
Then he spoke, and asked "Old Deuteronomy?". My heart almost stopped. Was he here?
Everyone else heard Quaxo as well, and we all looking at Tantomile and Coricopat. Oh yeah, the psycic twins. They looked into the air for a moment, and then sang together:
I believe it is Old Deuteronomy
Ooh, our leader was coming!
Suddenly, I felt a tongue licking all over me, cleaning me. "Mom!" I whined. "I can clean myself!" I said. Mom just gave me a look and then went over to help Dad. Jeez, why do they have to think they need to clean all the time?
I saw Munkustrap taking the front, Electra nuzzling his leg. Music was playing, so I guessed he was going to sing about his dad. I laid down in order to hear him better and be more comfortable. Oh good, everyone else is doing it, I won't look stupid.
Well of all things can it be really
No. Yes. Ho. Hi. Oh my eye!
My mind may be wandering but I confess
I believe it is Old Deuteronomy
Munkustrap petted Electra affectionetly, before he began singing:
Old Deuteronomy's lived a long time
He's a cat who has lived many lives in succession
Old Deuteronomy was really old. That's why he was called "Old Deuteronomy".
He was famous in proverb and famous in rhyme
A long while before Queen Victoria's accession
Well, doesn't Victoria look happy?
Old Deuteronomy's buried nine wives
TUGGER!! Dang he came back why is he here that-no. Calm down, Pounce. Old D's his dad too, he has a right to sing about him. You'll hate him later!
And more I am tempted to say ninety-nine
Wow, didn't know Deuteronomy was such a player! Ha ha! Aw, that's cute, Jerrie's head in Teazer's lap.
And his numerous progeny prospers and thrives
And the village is proud of him in his decline
You know, when I first met Old Deuteronomy, when I was only a year old, I was scared of him. I remember because Dad keeps bringing it up to guilt me whenever I do something bad and don't feel sorry about it. See, apparantly, when he tried to approach me, I got scared of how big he was and I scratched him. I guess that pretty much shocked everyone, but Old D forgave me on the spot.
That's what I like about him.
At the sight of that placid and bland physiognomy
When he sits in the sun on the vicarage wall
Well, even though I didn't understand what Munkustrap and Tugger were saying, I liked the song and the music. It was very soothing. I rolled around on the ground happily. I must have looked silly...
The oldest inhabitant croaks
Wonder who could be older then Old D?
Well of all things can it be really
No. Yes. Ho. Hi. Oh my eye!
My mind may be wandering but I confess
Suddenly, Tugger pointed. Munkustrap followed his finger and smiled brightly, before they sang together:
I believe it is Old Deuteronomy
Immediantly I looked over in the direction they pointed, and sat up quickly. Quaxo was leading Old D over here! Crap! I still haven't cleaned myself! I tried to make myself look at least presentable. Suddenly, I got knocked over. I wanted to yell at whoever it was, but then I realized everyone was grouping up to welcome Old D.
Ooh, cool! I was right behind Munkustrap. We all starting singing:
Well of all things can it be really
No. Yes. Ho. Hi. Oh my eye!
My mind may be wandering but I confess
I believe it is Old Deuteronomy
As soon as our leader got close enough, all the kittens pounced on him (and me, and my names Pouncival! Hee hee!). I ran into Munk's back as I did, but I still latched onto his leg happily.
"Hi!" I cried. He smiled warmly at me, and then turned to shake hands with Jelly.
Even has he tried to walk, I still held onto his leg, until Dad pulled me off. Not fun, Dad!
Well of all things can it be really
No. Yes. Ho. Hi. Oh my eye!
My mind may be wandering but I confess
I believe it is Old Deuteronomy
Munkustrap, like the goody two shoes son that he is, helped Old D get to the tire. When he got there Tugger was waiting, and he smiled and gave his father a grand bow.
Suck up.
Want me to get you any food, Old D?
Well of all things can it be really
No. Yes. Ho. Hi. Oh my eye!
He smiled at us, and then sang:
My legs may be tottery, I must go slow
And be careful of Old Deuteronomy
I felt nice. The whole tribe, the whole family, was completed.
Suddenly, Munkustrap lit his eyes up and chanted "Jellicle cats meet once a year, on the night we make the jellicle choice. And now that the Jellicle leader is here, Jellicle cats can all rejoice!".
Ooh, I remember suddenly what's next:
THE AWFUL BATTLE OF THE PEKES AND THE POLLICLES TOGETHER WITH SOME ACCOUNT OF THE PARTICIPATION OF THE PUGS AND THE POMS AND THE INTERVENTION OF THE GREAT RUMPUS CAT!
Dang, that's a mouthful.
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Done!