Harry the Cat: [Reading from a Christmas book] "Merry voices and lighthearted laughter rang out. Christmas was close at hand, in all his bluff and hearty honesty; it was the season of hospitality, merriment, and open-heartedness... Gay and merry was the time; and gay and merry were at least four of the numerous hearts that were gladdened by its coming... Happy, happy Christmas. I heard the bells on Christmas day; Their old, familiar carols play; And wild and sweet, the words repeat of Peace on Earth, good will to men."
Tucker the Mouse: Peace on Earth? Goodwill to men? With all that goin' on out there? Hmpf!
Harry the Cat: You know, Tucker, I think you may have a point there. Why don't you find something more appropriate?
Tucker the Mouse: [Flipping through pages] Well, I'll tell you this much, Harry, nothing in this book could be *less* appropriate!
[Stopping]
Tucker the Mouse: Read on, McDuff.
Harry the Cat: Ahem. "A Visit From Saint Nicolas"...
Tucker the Mouse: Who he?
Harry the Cat: ...by Clarence Seymore.
Tucker the Mouse: Also, who he?
Harry the Cat: [Reading] "'Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the house..."
Tucker the Mouse: Marvelous opening.
Harry the Cat: "... not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse."
Tucker the Mouse: Not even a what? *Why* a mouse do I to inquire? Why do people always pick on *mice* not to stir?
Harry the Cat: Take it easy, Tucker! Humans are not to be mean to mice.
Tucker the Mouse: Why not? They're mean to each other aren't they? And every Christmas they get *meaner*!
