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Age Quote by T.S. Eliot

“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, ninety-nine; And his numerous progeny prospers…” quote by T.S. Eliot
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““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, ninety-nine; 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: "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!" Old Deuteronomy sits in the street, He sits in the High Street on market day; The bullocks may bellow, the sheep they may bleat, But the dogs and the herdsman will turn them away. The cars and the lorries run over the kerb, And the villagers put up a notice: ROAD CLOSED — So that nothing untoward may chance to disturb Deuteronomy's rest when he feels so disposed Or when he's engaged in domestic economy: And the Oldest Inhabitant croaks: "Well of all … Things … Can it be … really! … No! … Yes! … Ho! hi! Oh, my eye! My sight's unreliable, but I can guess That the cause of the trouble is Old Deuteronomy!””

T.S. Eliot

About This Quote

Source Poem: Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats by T.S. Eliot, 1939

The poem humorously portrays Old Deuteronomy as a venerable, almost mythic cat whose age and status inspire both reverence and absurd speculation.

In simple terms: A legendary cat is revered and joked about.

Key Takeaway

Respect tradition while seeing its absurdity.

Themes

tradition humor myth community age

Mood

playful nostalgic ironic

Type

literary humorous

When to use this quote

  • village gatherings
  • market days
  • public notices
  • cat folklore
  • local legends

Key Concepts

Folklore personification satire

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does reverence for age affect community decisions?
  • What role does humor play in preserving history?
A Different Perspective

The satire may overlook the real concerns of the villagers.

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