ODE ON THE DEATH OF A FAVOURITE CAT, DROWNED IN A TUB OF GOLD FISHES. 'TWAS on a lofty vase's side, The azure flowers, that blow; Her conscious tail her joy declar'd; Her coat, that with the tortoise vies, She saw; and purr'd applause. 1 In the Walpole MS. and in the 1748 edition the order of these lines was reversed: "The pensive Selima reclin'd, Demurest of the tabby kind." Still had she gaz'd; but 'midst the tide Their scaly armour's Tyrian hue The hapless Nymph with wonder saw: She stretch'd in vain to reach the prize. Presumptuous Maid! with looks intent Eight times emerging from the flood Some speedy aid to send. No Dolphin came, no Nereid stirr'd: 1 In the Walpole MS. and in the 1748 edition, "Two beauteous forms." 2 In the edition of 1748, "A foe to fish." 3 Looks in the Wharton MS., Eyes. Nor cruel Tom, nor Susan heard.1 A Fav'rite has no friend! From hence, ye Beauties, undeceiv'd, And be with caution bold. Not all that tempts your wand'ring eyes Nor all, that glisters, gold. 1 In the Walpole and Wharton MSS. and in the edition of 1748, "nor Harry heard." In the Walpole MS. and in the edition of 1748, "What favourite has a friend?” 2 In the Wharton MS., Strikes. |