FABLES. 



361 



THE YOUNG MAN AND HIS CAT. 



A certain Young Man used to play with a beau- 

 tiful Cat, of which he grew so fond, that at last he 

 fell in love with it to such a degree, that he could 

 rest neither night nor day for the excess of his 

 passion. In this condition he prayed to Venus, 

 the goddess of beauty, to pity and relieve his 

 pain. The good-natured goddess was propitious, 

 and heard his prayers ; and the Cat, which he 

 held in his arms, was instantly transformed into a 

 beautiful Young Woman. The Youth was trans- 

 ported with joy, and married her that very day. 

 At night, while they were in bed, the bride unfor- 

 tunately heard a mouse behind the hangings, and 

 sprang from the arms of her lover to pursue it : 

 the Youth was ashamed, and Venus offended, to 

 see her sacred rites thus profaned by such unbe- 

 coming behaviour; and perceiving that her new 



VOL. IV. 3 A 



