OD E ON THE DEATH OF A FAVOURITE CAT, Drowned in a Tub of Gold Fishes. TWAS on a lofty vafe's fide, TWי Where China's gayeft art had dy'd The azure flowers that blow ; Gaz'd on the lake below. Her confcious tail her joy declar'd; Her coat that with the tortoife vies, Still had the gaz'd; but 'midft the tide Their fcally armour's Tyrian hue The haplefs nymph with wonder faw: With many an ardent wish, She stretch'd in vain to reach the prize. Prefumptuous maid! with looks intent Nor knew the gulf between. Eight times emerging from the flood No dolphin came, no Nereid ftirr'd; From hence, ye beauties, undeceiv'd, Know, one false step is ne'er retriev'd, And be with caution bold. Not all that tempts your wand'ring eyes And heedlefs hearts, is lawful prize; Nor all that glifters, gold. |