"TWAS on a lofty vafe's fide, Where China's gayest art had dy'd The azure flowers, that blow; Demureft of the tabby kind, The penfive Selima reclin'd, Gaz'd on the lake below. Her confcious tail her joy declar'd; The fair round face, the fnowy beard, The velvet of her paws; Her Her coat, that with the tortoise vies, Her ears of jet, and emerald eyes, Still had the gaz'd; but 'midst the tide The Genii of the stream: Their fcaly armour's Tyrian hue, Betray'd a golden gleam. The hapless nymph with wonder faw: A whifker firft, and then a claw, With many an ardent wifh, She ftretch'd, in vain, to reach the prize. What female heart can gold defpife? What cat's averfe to fish? Prefump Prefumptuous maid! with looks intent Eight times emerging from the flood Some speedy aid to fend. No Dolphin came, no Nereid ftirr'd, A fav'rite has no friend! From hence, ye beauties, undeceiv'd, And be with caution bold. Not |