a proper man (loves cats)

Normally I wouldn't offer two longish poems in a row, but this one dropped in my lap and I could not resist.

The Proper Man

I saw somewhere not long ago,
A saying wise and true,
And thinking it is worth my while,
I tell it now to you.
'Twas this : — "A woman's always safe
In marrying a man
"Who's fond of cats;" I think it's so, —
Just try it if you can.

A man to whom the cats appeal
Has very tender ways.
He may not be a pious man,
Nor one who gets much praise.
But you will find a sympathy —
An honest heart and true, —
A generous soul, a helping hand.
Does that appeal to you?

He's apt to be a modest man
Who won't be pushed too far,
For he has temper underneath,
Though he avoids a jar.
He has a lot of plain ideas
Of what he thinks is right,
And while he "puts up with a pile,'
He's competent to fight.

Now if you wish to married be.
What is it that you seek?
Though riches, wealth and family
Might tend to make you meek.
Your life must not be thrown away
For such vain dross as that.
Cast such aside and try to get
A man who loves a cat.

-- I am tickled to report this was written by a man.  His name was Elliot Walker, and this poem is from his collection Cat Tales in Verse (London and New York:  Abbey Press, 1900), p. 15.