‘Twas on a lofty vase’s side,
\nWhere China’s gayest art had dyed
\nThe azure flowers that blow;
\nDemurest of the tabby kind,
\nThe pensive Selima, reclin’d,
\nGaz’d on the lake below.
\n<\/a>
\nHer conscious tail her joy declar’d:
\nThe fair round face, the snowy beard,
\nThe velvet of her paws,
\nHer coat, that with the tortoise vies,
\nHer ears of jet, and emerald eyes,
\nShe saw; and purr’d applause.
\n<\/a>
\nStill had she gaz’d; but midst the tide
\nTwo angel forms were seen to glide,
\nThe Genii of the stream:
\nTheir scaly armour’s Tyrian hue
\nThrough richest purple to the view
\nBetray’d a golden gleam.
\n<\/a>
\nThe hapless nymph with wonder saw:
\nA whisker first, and then a claw,
\nWith many an ardent wish,
\nShe stretch’d in vain to reach the prize.
\nWhat female heart can gold despise?
\nWhat Cat’s averse to fish?
\n<\/a>
\nPresumptuous maid! with looks intent
\nAgain she stretch’d, again she bent,
\nNor knew the gulf between.
\n(Malignant Fate sat by, and smil’d.)
\nThe slippery verge her feet beguil’d,
\nShe tumbled headlong in.
\n<\/a>
\nEight times emerging from the flood,
\nShe mew’d to every watery God,
\nSome speedy aid to send.
\nNo Dolphin came, no Nereid stirr’d:
\nNor cruel Tom, nor Susan heard.
\nA favourite has no friend!
\n<\/a>
\nFrom hence, ye beauties, undeceiv’d,
\nKnow, one false step is ne’er retriev’d,
\nAnd be with caution bold.
\nNot all that tempts your wandering eyes
\nAnd heedless hearts is lawful prize,
\nNor all that glisters gold.<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t Candela Citations<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t