To My Lord Buckhurst, Very Young, Playing with a Cat

THE am'rous Youth, whose tender Breast
Was by his darling Cat possest,
Obtain'd of Venus his Desire,
Howe'er irregular his Fire :
Nature the Pow'r of Love obey'd :
The Cat became a blushing Maid ;
And, on the happy Change, the Boy
Imploy'd his Wonder and his Joy.

Take care, O beauteous Child, take care.
Lest Thou prefer so rash a Pray'r :
Nor vainly hope, the Queen of Love
Will e'er thy Fav'rite's Charms improve.
O ! quickly from her Shrine retreat ;
Or tremble for thy Darling's Fate.

The Queen of Love, who soon will see
Her own Adonis live in Thee,
Will lightly her first Loss deplore ;
Will easily forgive the Boar :
Her Eyes with Tears no more will flow:
With jealous Rage her Breast will glow :
And on her tabby Rival's Face
She deep will mark her new Disgrace.