Her conscious tail her joy declar'd; The fair round face, the fnowy beard, The velvet of her paws, Her coat, that with the tortoife vies, Her ears of jet, and emerald eyes, Still had fhe gaz'd; but 'midft the tide The Genii of the ftream: Their fcaly armour's Tyrian hue Thro' richest purple to the view Betray'd a golden gleam. The hapless Nymph with wonder faw, A whisker first, and then a claw; With With many an ardent wifh, She stretch'd in vain to reach the prize. What female heart can gold defpife? What Cat's averse to fish! Prefumptuous Maid! with looks intent Eight times emerging from the flood Some speedy aid to send. No Dolphin came, no Nereid ftirr'd; Nor cruel Tom, nor Sufan heard, A Fav'rite has no friend ! From 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 ODE |