Читать книгу Tales and Novels of J. de La Fontaine — Complete - Jean de la Fontaine - Страница 35

THE second dame, whose husband was so meek,

That only from her lips the truth he'd seek,

When seated with him 'neath a pear tree's shade,

Contriv'd at ease and her arrangement made.

The story I shall presently relate;

The butler, strong, well dress'd, and full of prate:

Who often made the other servants trot,

Stood near when madam hit upon her plot,

To whom she said, I wish the fruit to taste;

On which the man prepar'd with ev'ry haste,

To climb the tree, and off the produce shook;

But while above, the fellow gave a look

Upon the ground below, and feign'd he saw

The spouse and wife—do more than kiss and paw:

The servant rubb'd his eyes, as if in doubt,

And cried: why truly, sir, if you're so stout,

That you must revel 'mid your lady's charms,

Pray elsewhere take her to your longing arms,

Where you at ease may frolick hours or days,

Without my witnessing your loving ways;

Indeed, I'm quite surprised at what I spy

In publick, 'neath a tree such pranks to try!

And, if you don't a servant's presence heed,

With decency howe'er you should proceed.

What, still go on? for shame, I say, for shame!

Pray wait till by and by; you're much to blame;

Besides, the nights are long enough you'll find;

Heav'n genial joys for privacy design'd;

And why this place, when you've nice chambers got?

What, cried the lady, says this noisy sot?

He surely dreams; Where can he learn these tales?

Come down; let's see what 'tis the fellow ails.

Down William came. How? said the master, how?

Are we at play?