The Cat-Maiden
The
Cat-Maiden
The
gods were once disputing whether it was possible for a living being to change
its nature. Jupiter said “Yes,” but Venus said “No.” So, to try the question,
Jupiter turned a Cat into a Maiden, and gave her to a young man for a wife. The
wedding was duly performed and the young couple sat down to the wedding-feast.
“See,” said Jupiter, to Venus, “how becomingly she behaves. Who could tell that
yesterday she was but a Cat? Surely her nature is changed?” “Wait a minute,”
replied Venus, and let loose a mouse into the room. No sooner did the bride see
this than she jumped up from her seat and tried to pounce upon the mouse. “Ah,
you see,” said Venus, “Nature will out.”
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