Old Deuteronomy's lived a long time

He's a cat who has lived many lives in succession

He was famous in Proverb and famous in rhyme

A long while before Queen Victoria's accession

Old Deuteronomy's buried nine wives

And more I am tempted to say, 99

And his numerous progeny prospers and thrives

And the village is proud of him in his decline

At the sight of that placid and bland physiognomy

When he sits in the sun on the vicarage wall

The oldest inhabitant croaks

My legs may be tottery, I must go slow

And be careful of Old Deuteronomy