Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, TO MY LORD BUCKHURST, VERY YOUNG, PLAYING WITH A CAT, by MATTHEW PRIOR



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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

TO MY LORD BUCKHURST, VERY YOUNG, PLAYING WITH A CAT, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: The amorous youth, whose tender breast
Last Line: She deep will mark her new disgrace.
Subject(s): Animals; Cats; Children; Jealousy; Tears; Youth; Childhood


THE amorous youth, whose tender breast
Was by his darling cat possest,
Obtained of Venus his desire,
Howe'er irregular his fire.
Nature the power of love obeyed;
The cat became a blushing maid;
And, on the happy change, the boy
Employed his wonder, and his joy.
Take care, O beauteous child, take care,
Lest thou prefer so rash a prayer:
Nor vainly hope, the queen of love
Will e'er thy favourite's charms improve.
O quickly from her shrine retreat;
Or tremble for thy darling's fate.
The queen of love, who soon will see
Her own Adonis live in thee,
Will lightly her first loss deplore;
Will easily forgive the boar:
Her eyes with tears no more will flow;
With jealous rage her breast will glow;
And on her tabby rival's face
She deep will mark her new disgrace.





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