The Fool and his Cat

As the marquis de Carabas I rule
A tarot card embossed with foolishness,
And striding simply there, I am the fool
Of self-assurance mixed with blind excess.
And with me jumps my dog, and there’s my cat:
Remaining far ahead, he’s out of frame;
But please believe he wears his boots and hat
With that insouciance that brought us fame.
For Puss n’ Boots's his name, my title comes
From his clear efforts on my vague behalf;
And as the far-off sounding of the drums
Proclaims their marquis’s near, my walking staff
Becomes again my splendid sword of law –
A ruse maintained by slight of one deft paw.