362 FABLES. 



convert, though a woman in outward appearance, 

 was a Cat in her heart, she caused her to return 

 to her old form again, that her manners and 

 person might be suitable to each other. 



APPLICATION. 



THIS Fable, however extravagant and unnatural 

 in its composition, is intended to depicture and 

 check the blind instinctive ardour of the passion 

 of love, the transports of which cover all imper- 

 fections, so that its devotees consider neither 

 quality nor merit. It is like an idol of our own 

 creating, which we fashion into \vhatever figure 

 or shape we please, and then run mad for it. The 

 Fable also shews that 



" Xo charm can raise from dirt a grov'ling mind ;" 



And that people of a low turn of spirit and mean 

 education cannot change their principles by 

 changing their situation: for in the midst of 

 splendour and magnificence, they still retain the 

 same narrow sentiments, and seldom fail to betray, 

 by some dirty action, their original baseness, 

 which no embroidery can conceal; and though 

 fortune has been pleased to lift them out of the 

 mire, we still see the silly awkward blockheads 

 displaying their lack of mind and education 

 through all their ensigns of dignity. If any thing 

 more need be added, it can only be with a view 

 of more plainly putting inexperienced youth on 

 their guard against making inconsiderate connec- 

 tions, lest they take a Cat into their bosom, instead 

 of an amiable consort and companion for life. 



