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78
ANACREON
TO A CAT.
Prince of cats, with skin so sleek,Sharpen'd mouth, and jetty cheek,
And tail, as coral shining-bright,
And eyes, that can defy the night:
With whiskers, claws, and scenting nose,
For ever mousing, as it goes—
All these proclaim as mere a cat,
As ever tuzzled mouse, or rat.
But when I mark, thy mistress nigh,
—And I have look'd with searching eye,—
The purring soft, the tender gaze,
And all thy little fondling ways,
The playful tail, the touch so bland,
When stroking Sappho's lovely hand,
79
I see thee nestle close thy head,
—And this, and more than this I see,
Till, happy puss, I envy thee:—
Oh! then, methinks, time was, that thou
Wast not, what thou appearest now:
While drinking thus of love thy fill,
Thou seemest but a lover still;—
Yes, prince of cats, if right I scan,
The time has been, when thou wast, man.
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