welsh kitten with a mission

From the collection Welsh Poetry, Old and New, in English Verse, Alfred Percival Graves, ed. (London: Longmans, Green, 1912 ), pp. 46-8.  A nobleman teases his kitten that it's time for him to earn his keep; what must kitty do?  Read on...

RICHARD VAUGHAN TO HIS CAT
(A Welsh Cavalier Ballad)

Most gentle of the long-tailed gentry,
Since here, a kitten, you made entry,
So far your walks have chiefly been
Between the kitchen and the pantry.
Your claws are keenly pointed, pussy,
Your eyes are green, your whiskers glossy;
Soft-footed on your prey you pounce,
You little, light-limbed, bouncing hussy.
No fowler with his hedgerow nettings
Can beat you at your feathered gettings;
And well with clever paw you fish,
Though little wish have you for wettings.
There's no immediate need for knowing
To whose good beard a lick is owing,
But at that beard don't take a turn
Down by Ydernion thickly flowing.
Stop playing, pussy, with that tassel!
And promise, like a royal vassal,
To be my messenger afar
Unto the lord of Harlech Castle...

Why is he sending the kitten there?  He's a little furry messenger to an old friend of sorts, but he's got a ways to go.  If you like, you can read the whole poem here.  I think the Richard Vaughan of the title might be this one.  There actually is a Harlech Castle, by the way.