HE gods were once disputing whether 

 it was possible for a living being 

 to change its nature. Jupiter said 

 " Yes," but Venus said tc No." So, 

 to try the question, Jupiter turned a Cat into 

 a Maiden, and gave her to a young man for 

 wife. The wedding was duly performed and 

 the young couple sat down to the wedding- 

 feast. " See," said Jupiter to Venus, " how 

 becomingly she behaves. Who could tell 

 that yesterday she was but a Cat ? Surely 

 her nature is changed ? " 



" Wait a minute," replied Venus, and let 

 loose a mouse into the room. No sooner did 



