A certain Young Man used to play with a beautiful Cat, of which he grew
so fond, that at last he fell in love with it to such a degree, that
he could rest neither night nor day for the excess of his passion. In
this condition he prayed to Venus, the goddess of beauty, to pity and
relieve his pain. The good-natured goddess was propitious, and heard
his prayers; and the Cat, which he held in his arms, was instantly
transformed into a beautiful Young Woman. The Youth was transported
with joy, and married her that very day. At night, while they were in
bed, the bride unfortunately heard a mouse behind the hangings, and
sprang from the arms of her lover to pursue it: the Youth was ashamed,
and Venus offended, to see her sacred rites thus profaned by such
unbecoming behaviour; and perceiving that her new convert, though a
woman in outward appearance, was a Cat in her heart, she caused her
to return to her old form again, that her manners and person might be
suitable to each other.