'Twas on a lofty vase's side, <br /> Where China's gayest art had dy'd <br /> The azure flow'rs that blow; <br /> Demurest of the tabby kind, <br /> The pensive Selima, reclin'd, <br /> Gazed on the lake below. <br /> <br /> Her conscious tail her joy declar'd; <br /> The fair round face, the snowy beard, <br /> The velvet of her paws, <br /> Her coat, that with the tortoise vies, <br /> Her ears of jet, and emerald eyes, <br /> She saw: and purr'd applause. <br /> <br /> Still had she gaz'd; but 'midst the tide <br /> Two angel forms were seen to glide, <br /> The Genii of the stream; <br /> Their scaly armour's Tyrian hue <br /> Thro' richest purple to the view <br /> Betray'd a golden gleam. <br /> <br /> The hapless Nymph with wonder saw: <br /> A whisker first and then a claw, <br /> With many an ardent wish, <br /> She stretch'd in vain to reach the prize. <br /> What female heart can gold despise? <br /> What cat's averse to fish? <br /> <br /> Presumptuous Maid! with looks intent <br /> Again she stretch'd, again she bent, <br /> Nor knew the gulf between. <br /> (Malignant Fate sat by, and smil'd) <br /> The slipp'ry verge her feet beguil'd, <br /> She tumbled headlong in. <br /> <br /> Eight times emerging from the flood <br /> She mew'd to ev'ry wat'ry god, <br /> Some speedy aid to send. <br /> No Dolphin came, no Nereid stirr'd; <br /> Nor cruel Tom, nor Susan heard. <br /> A Fav'rite has no friend! <br /> <br /> From hence, ye Beauties, undeceiv'd, <br /> Know, one false step is ne'er retriev'd, <br /> And be with caution bold. <br /> Not all that tempts your wand'ring eyes <br /> And heedless hearts is lawful prize, <br /> Nor all, that glisters, gold.<br /><br />Thomas Gray<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/ode-on-the-death-of-a-favourite-cat-drowned-in-a/
