Poems (1791) | ||
To Miss KITTY BENNET and her Cat Crop.
BALLAD XIII.
I
Full many a heart, that now is free,May shortly, fair one, beat for thee,
And court thy pleasing chain;
Then prudent hear a friend's advice,
And learn to guard, by conduct nice,
The conquests you shall gain.
67
II
When Tabby Tom your Crop pursues,How many a bite, and many a bruise
The amorous Swain endures?
E'er yet one favouring glance he catch,
What frequent squalls, how many a scratch
His tenderness procures?
III
Tho' this, 'tis own'd, be somewhat rude,And Puss by nature be a prude,
Yet hence you may improve;
By decent pride, and dint of scoff,
Keep caterwauling coxcombs off,
And ward th'attacks of love.
IV
Your Crop a mousing when you see,She teaches you œconomy,
Which makes the pot to boil:
And when she plays with what she gains,
She shews you pleasure springs from pains,
And mirth's the fruit of toil.
Poems (1791) | ||