The amorous youth, whose tender breast <br />Was by his darling Cat possest, <br />Obtain'd of Venus his desire, <br />Howe'er irregular his fire: <br />Nature the power of love obey'd, <br />The Cat became a blushing maid, <br />And on the happy change the boy <br />Employ'd his wonder and his joy. <br />Take care, O beauteous child, take care, <br />Lest thou prefer so rash a prayer, <br />Nor vainly hope the queen of love, <br />Will e'er thy favourite's charms improve. <br />O quickly from her shrine retreat, <br />Or tremble for thy darling's fate. <br />The queen of love, who soon will see <br />Her own Adonis live in thee, <br />Will lightly her first loss deplore, <br />Will easily forgive the boar: <br />Her eyes with tears no more will flow, <br />With jealous rage her breast will glow, <br />And on her tabby rival's face <br />She deep will mark a new disgrace.<br /><br />Matthew Prior<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/to-my-lord-buckhurst-very-young-playing-with-a-cat/
