The Cat-Maiden

: Aesop's Fables

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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