Читать книгу Tales and Novels of J. de La Fontaine — Complete - Jean de la Fontaine - Страница 28

WITH perfect justice Heav'n its gifts bestows;

But equal talents all should not compose.

The prince's virtues doubtless were designed,

To take command, and govern o'er mankind.

The lawyer, points of difficulty views,

Decides with judgment, and the truth pursues.

In Cupid's scenes the muleteer succeeds:—

Each has his part:—none universal meeds.

WITH pleasures feasted, our gallant retired,

Before the morn fresh blushes had acquired.

But scarcely had he left the tender scene,

'Ere king Agiluf came to see his queen,

Who much surprise expressed, and to him said:

My dear, I know your love, but from this bed,

You'll recollect how recently you went,

And having wonders done, should be content.

For heav'n's sake, consider more your health;

'Tis dearer far to me than Croesus' wealth.

WITHIN the royal breast suspicions rose,

But nothing then the monarch would disclose.

He instantly withdrew without a word;

His sentiments to speak had been absurd,

And to the stable flew, since he believed

The circumstances, which his bosom grieved,

Whate'er mysterious doubts might then appear,

Proceeded from some am'rous muleteer.

WHEN round the dorture he began to creep,

The troop appeared as if dissolved in sleep,

And so they truly were, save our gallant,

Whose terrors made him tremble, sigh, and pant:

No light the king had got; it still was dark;

Agiluf groped about to find the spark,

Persuaded that the culprit might be known,

By rapid beating of the pulse alone.

The thought was good; to feel the prince began,

And at the second venture, found his man,

Who, whether from the pleasures he'd enjoyed,

Or fear, or dread discov'ry to avoid,

Experienced (spite of ev'ry wily art,)

At once quick beating of the pulse and heart.

In doubt how this adventure yet might end,

He thought to seem asleep would him befriend.

MEANWHILE the king, though not without much pains,

Obtained the scissors used for horses' manes.

With these, he said, I'll mark the fond gallant,

That I may know again the one I want.

THE monarch from the muleteer with care,

In front, snipt off a bulky lock of hair.

This having done, he suddenly withdrew;

But carelessly away the trophy threw;

Of which the sly gallant advantage took,

And thus the prince's subtle project shook;

For instantly began our artful spark,

His fellow servants like himself to mark.

WHEN day arrived the monarch was surprised,

To see each muleteer alike disguised;

No hair in front of either now was seen;

Why, how is this? said he: What can it mean?

Fifteen or more, if I believe my sight,

My wife has satisfied this very night.

Well! well! he'll now escape if mum he prove;

But there again I trust he ne'er shall move.