THE CAT 



To my Lord Buckhurst, Very Young, Play- 

 ing with a Cat 



The am'rous youth, whose tender breast 

 Was by his darling cat possest, 

 Obtain'd of Venus his desire, 

 Howe'er irregular his fire. 

 Nature the power of love obey'd, — 

 The cat became a blushing maid; 

 And, on the happy change, the boy 

 Employ 'd his wonder and his joy. 

 Take care, O beauteous child, take care, 

 Lest thou prefer so rash a pray'r: 

 Nor vainly hope the Queen of Love 

 Will e'er thy fav'rite's charms improve. 

 Oh, quickly from her shrine retreat, 

 Or tremble for thy darling's fate. 

 The Queen of Love, who soon will see 

 Her own Adonis live in thee, 

 Will lightly her first loss deplore, 

 Will easily forgive the boar. 

 Her eyes with tears no more will flow, 

 With jealous rage her breast will glow, 

 And on her tabby rival's face 

 She deep will mark her new disgrace. 



Matthew Prior. 



36 



