Читать книгу Tales and Novels of J. de La Fontaine — Complete - Jean de la Fontaine - Страница 14

YOUR raillery, the Roman youth replied,

Quite disconcerted, pray now lay aside,

And talk of something else; you've fully shown,

That I'm your vassal, and since you are grown

So fond that you to keep the girl desire,

E'en wholly to yourself, why I'll retire;

Do with her what you please, and we shall see,

How long this furor will with you agree.

IT may, replied the king, for ever last,

If ev'ry night like this, I'm doom'd to fast.

SIRE, said Joconde, no longer let us thus,

In terms of playful raillery discuss;

Since such your pleasure, send me from your view;

On this the youthful monarch angry grew,

And many words between the friends arose;

The presence of the nymph Astolphus chose;

To her they said, between us judge, sweet fair,

And every thing was stated then with care.

THE girl with blushing cheeks before them kneel'd,

And the mysterious tale at once reveal'd.

Our heroes laugh'd; the treach'ry vile excus'd;

And gave the ring, which much delight diffus'd;

Together with a handsome sum of gold,

Which soon a husband in her train enroll'd,

Who, for a maid, the pretty fair-one took;

And then our heroes wand'ring pranks forsook,

With laurels cover'd, which in future times,

Will make them famous through the Western climes;

More glorious since, they only cost, we find,

Those sweet ATTENTIONS pleasing to the MIND.

So many conquests proud of having made,

And over full the BOOK of—those who'd play'd;

Said gay Astolphus we will now, my friend,

Return the shortest road and poaching end;

If false our mates, yet we'll console ourselves,

That many others have inconstant elves.

Perhaps, in things a change will be one day,

And only tender flames LOVE'S torch display;

But now it seems some evil star presides,

And Hymen's flock the devil surely rides.

Besides, vile fiends the universe pervade,

Whose constant aim is mortals to degrade,

And cheat us to our noses if they can,

(Hell's imps in human shape, disgrace to man!)

Perhaps these wretches have bewitch'd our wives,

And made us fancy errors in their lives.

Then let us like good citizens, our days

In future pass amidst domestick ways;

Our absence may indeed restore their hearts,

For jealousy oft virtuous truths imparts.

IN this Astolphus certainly believ'd;

The friends return'd, and kindly were receiv'd;

A little scolding first assail'd the ear;

But blissful kisses banish'd ev'ry fear.

To balls and banquets ALL themselves resigned;

Of dwarf or valet nothing more we find;

Each with his wife contentedly remained:—

'Tis thus alone true happiness is gained.