On LADY SARAH B—'s CAT

With fancy's gay suggestion fraught, Venus indulg'd a frolic thought; Departing from her former plan, New schemes she fram'd to conquer man: Discharg'd her troop of smiling loves, Her archer-son and cooing doves; Admitting to their vacant place, The gentlest of the purring race.

This change of ministerial measures, Provok'd at first the youthful pleasures; They swore they wou'd no more resort To Paphos, or th' Idalian court: But reason their resentment cool'd, And bad them be by Laura rul'd!

Ah! happiest of the feline train, Wilt thou admit this artless strain? The lover now for Cupid's dart, Shall feel thy talon at his heart: Thy form upon the seal impress'd, Where Venus once her birds express'd, Shall (stamp'd upon the crimson glue) Secure the secret billet-doux.

Echo, amid the darken'd grove, Shall heed no more the murm'ring dove; But in the precincts of White-Hall, Shall sit attentive to thy call.

Ah! happiest of the purring train! When Morpheus holds his silent reign; Thy Queen's love darting radiant eyes, That emulate the starry skies; 'Tis thine with velvet foot to close, And gently purr her to repose. Ah! wou'dst thou purr this heart to rest. And close the wounds within this breast; How grateful wou'd I wake the string, And Venus and her Laura sing