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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6833f05 --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,3 @@ +* text=auto +*.txt text +*.md text diff --git a/5281.txt b/5281.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d1c50c6 --- /dev/null +++ b/5281.txt @@ -0,0 +1,1312 @@ +The Project Gutenberg Ebook The Falcon and The Little Dog, by Fontaine +#7 in our series by Jean de La Fontaine (The Tales and Novels) + +Copyright laws are changing all over the world. Be sure to check the +copyright laws for your country before downloading or redistributing +this or any other Project Gutenberg eBook. + +This header should be the first thing seen when viewing this Project +Gutenberg file. Please do not remove it. Do not change or edit the +header without written permission. + +Please read the "legal small print," and other information about the +eBook and Project Gutenberg at the bottom of this file. Included is +important information about your specific rights and restrictions in +how the file may be used. You can also find out about how to make a +donation to Project Gutenberg, and how to get involved. + + +**Welcome To The World of Free Plain Vanilla Electronic Texts** + +**EBooks Readable By Both Humans and By Computers, Since 1971** + +*****These EBooks Were Prepared By Thousands of Volunteers***** + + +Title: The Tales and Novels, v7: The Falcon and The Little Dog + +Author: Jean de La Fontaine + +Release Date: March, 2004 [EBook #5281] +[Yes, we are more than one year ahead of schedule] +[This file was first posted on June 14, 2002] + +Edition: 10 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + + + + + +*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK TALES AND NOVELS OF FONTAINE, V7 *** + + + +This eBook was produced by David Widger + + + +[NOTE: There is a short list of bookmarks, or pointers, at the end of the +file for those who may wish to sample the author's ideas before making an +entire meal of them. D.W.] + + + + + + THE TALES AND NOVELS + OF + J. DE LA FONTAINE + + + Volume 7. + + + Contains: + The Falcon + The Little Dog + + + + THE FALCON + + I RECOLLECT, that lately much I blamed, + The sort of lover, avaricious named; + And if in opposites we reason see, + The liberal in paradise should be. + The rule is just and, with the warmest zeal, + To prove the fact I to the CHURCH appeal. + + IN Florence once there dwelled a gentle youth, + Who loved a certain beauteous belle with truth; + O'er all his actions she had full controul;-- + To please he would have sold his very soul. + If she amusements wished, he'd lavish gold, + Convinced in love or war you should be bold; + The cash ne'er spare:--invincible its pow'rs, + O'erturning walls or doors where'er it show'rs. + The precious ore can every thing o'ercome; + 'Twill silence barking curs: make servants dumb; + And these can render eloquent at will:-- + Excel e'en Tully in persuasive skill; + In short he'd leave no quarter unsubdued, + Unless therein the fair he could include. + + SHE stood th' attack howe'er, and Frederick failed; + His force was vain whenever he assailed; + Without the least return his wealth he spent: + Lands, houses, manors of immense extent, + Were ev'ry now and then to auction brought; + To gratify his love was all he thought. + + THE rank of 'squire till lately he had claimed; + Now scarcely was he even mister named; + Of wealth by Cupid's stratagems bereft, + A single farm was all the man had left; + Friends very few, and such as God alone, + Could tell if friendship they might not disown; + The best were led their pity to express; + 'Twas all he got: it could not well be less; + To lend without security was wrong, + And former favours they'd forgotten long; + With all that Frederick could or say or do, + His liberal conduct soon was lost to view. + + WITH Clytia he no longer was received, + Than while he was a man of wealth believed; + Balls, concerts, op'ras, tournaments, and plays, + Expensive dresses, all engaging ways, + Were used to captivate this lady fair, + While scarcely one around but in despair, + Wife, widow, maid, his fond affection sought; + To gain him, ev'ry wily art was brought; + But all in vain:--by passion overpow'red, + The belle, whose conduct others would have soured, + To him appeared a goddess full of charms, + Superior e'en to Helen, in his arms; + From whence we may conclude, the beauteous dame + Was always deaf to Fred'rick's ardent flame. + + ENAMOURED of the belle, his lands he sold; + The family estates were turned to gold; + And many who the purchases had made, + With pelf accumulated by their trade, + Assumed the airs of men of noble birth:-- + Fair subjects oft for ridicule and mirth! + + RICH Clytia was, and her good spouse, 'tis said, + Had lands which far and wide around were spread; + No cash nor presents she would ever take, + Yet suffered Frederick splendid treats to make, + Without designing recompense to grant, + Or being more than merely complaisant. + + ALREADY, if my mem'ry do not fail, + I've said, the youth's estates were put to sale, + To pay for feasts the fair to entertain, + And what he'd left was only one domain, + A petty farm to which he now retired; + Ashamed to show where once so much admired, + And wretched too, a prey to lorn despair, + Unable to obtain by splendid care, + A beauty he'd pursued six years and more, + And should for ever fervently adore. + His want of merit was the cause he thought, + That she could never to his wish be brought, + While from him not a syllable was heard, + Against the lovely belle his soul preferred. + + 'MID poverty oft Fred'rick sighed and wept; + A toothless hag--his only servant kept; + His kitchen cold; (where commonly he dwelled;) + A pretty decent horse his stable held; + A falcon too; and round about the grange, + Our quondam 'squire repeatedly would range, + Where oft, to melancholy, he was led, + To sacrifice the game which near him fed; + By Clytia's cruelty the gun was seized, + And feathered victims black chagrin appeased. + + 'TWAS thus the lover whiled his hours away; + His heart-felt torments nothing could allay; + Blessed if with fortune love he'd also lost, + Which constantly his earthly comforts crossed; + But this lorn passion preyed upon his mind:-- + Where'er he rode, BLACK CARE would mount behind. + + DEATH took at length the husband of the fair; + An only son appointed was his heir, + A sickly child, whose life, 'twas pretty plain, + Could scarcely last till spring returned again, + Which made the husband, by his will, decree, + His wife the infant's successor should be, + In case the babe at early years should die, + Who soon grew worse and raised the widow's sigh. + + TOO much affection parents ne'er can show:-- + A mother's feelings none but mothers know. + + FAIR Clytia round her child with anxious care, + Watched day and night, and no expense would spare; + Inquired if this or that would please his taste; + What he desired should be procured with haste; + But nothing would he have that she proposed; + An ardent wish howe'er the boy disclosed, + For Fred'rick's Falcon, and most anxious grew:-- + Tear followed tear, and nothing else would do. + When once a child has got a whim in brain, + No peace, no rest, till he the boon obtain. + + WE should observe our belle, near Fred'rick's cot, + A handsome house and many lands had got; + 'Twas there the lovely babe had lately heard, + Most wondrous stories of the bird averred; + No partridge e'er escaped its rapid wing:-- + On every morn down numbers it would bring; + No money for it would its owner take; + Much grieved was Clytia such request to make. + The man, for her, of wealth had been bereft; + How ask the only treasure he had left? + And him if she were led to importune, + Could she expect that he'd accord the boon? + Alas! ungratefully she oft repaid, + His liberal treats, his concerts, serenade, + And haughtily behaved from first to last: + How be so bold, (reflecting on the past,) + To see the man that she so ill had used? + And ask a favour?--could she be excused? + But then her child!--perhaps his life 'twould save; + Naught would he take; the falcon she must crave. + + THAT her sweet babe might be induced to eat, + So meant the bird of Fred'rick to intreat; + Her boy was heard continually to cry, + Unless he had the falcon, he should die. + + THESE reasons strongly with the mother weighed; + Her visit to the 'squire was not delayed; + With fond affection for her darling heir, + One morn, alone she sought the lorn repair. + + TO Fred'rick's eye an angel she appeared; + But shame he felt, that she, his soul revered, + Should find him poor:--no servants to attend, + Nor means to give a dinner to a friend. + The poverty in which he now was viewed, + Distressed his mind and all his griefs renewed. + Why come? said he; what led you thus to trace, + An humble slave of your celestial face? + A villager, a wretched being here; + Too great the honour doubtless must appear; + 'Twas somewhere else you surely meant to go? + The lady in a moment answered no. + Cried he, I've neither cook nor kettle left; + Then how can I receive you, thus bereft? + But you have bread, said Clytia:--that will do;-- + The lover quickly to the poultry flew, + In search of eggs; some bacon too he found; + But nothing else, except the hawk renowned, + Which caught his eye, and instantly was seized, + Slain, plucked, and made a fricassee that pleased. + + MEANWHILE the house-keeper for linen sought; + Knives, forks, plates, spoons, cups, glass and chairs she + brought; + The fricassee was served, the dame partook, + And on the dish with pleasure seemed to look. + + THE dinner o'er, the widow then resolved, + To ask the boon which in her mind resolved. + She thus begun:--good sir, you'll think me mad, + To come and to your breast fresh trouble add; + I've much to ask, and you will feel surprise, + That one, for whom your love could ne'er suffice, + Should now request your celebrated bird; + Can I expect the grant?--the thought 's absurd + But pardon pray a mother's anxious fear; + 'Tis for my child:--his life to me is dear. + The falcon solely can the infant save; + Yet since to you I nothing ever gave, + For all your kindness oft on me bestowed; + Your fortune wasted:--e'en your nice abode, + Alas! disposed of, large supplies to raise, + To entertain and please in various ways: + I cannot hope this falcon to obtain; + For sure I am the expectation's vane; + No, rather perish child and mother too; + Than such uneasiness should you pursue: + Allow howe'er this parent, I beseech, + Who loves her offspring 'yond the pow'r of speech, + Or language to express, her only boy, + Sole hope, sole comfort, all her earthly joy, + True mother like, to seek her child's relief, + And in your breast deposit now her grief. + Affection's pow'r none better know than you,-- + How few to love were ever half so true! + From such a bosom I may pardon crave + Soft pity's ever with the good and brave! + + ALAS! the wretched lover straight replied, + The bird was all I could for you provide; + 'Twas served for dinner.--Dead?--exclaimed the dame, + While trembling terror overspread her frame. + No jest, said he, and from the soul I wish, + My heart, instead of that, had been the dish; + But doomed alas! am I by fate, 'tis clear, + To find no grace with her my soul holds dear: + I'd nothing left; and when I saw the bird, + To kill it instantly the thought occurred; + Those naught we grudge nor spare to entertain, + Who o'er our feeling bosoms sov'reign reign: + All I can do is speedily to get, + Another falcon: easily they're met; + And by to-morrow I'll the bird procure. + No, Fred'rick, she replied, I now conjure + You'll think no more about it; what you've done + Is all that fondness could have shown a son; + And whether fate has doomed the child to die, + Or with my prayers the pow'rs above comply; + For you my gratitude will never end-- + Pray let us hope to see you as a friend. + + THEN Clytia took her leave, and gave her hand; + A proof his love no more she would withstand. + He kissed and bathed her fingers with his tears; + The second day grim death confirmed their fears: + + THE mourning lasted long and mother's grief; + But days and months at length bestowed relief; + No wretchedness so great, we may depend, + But what, to time's all-conqu'ring sithe will bend: + + TWO famed physicians managed with such care; + That they recovered her from wild despair, + And tears gave place to cheerfulness and joy:- + The one was TIME the other Venus' Boy. + Her hand fair Clytia on the youth bestowed, + As much from love as what to him she owed. + + LET not this instance howsoe'r mislead; + 'Twere wrong with hope our fond desires to feed, + And waste our substance thus:--not all the FAIR, + Possess of gratitude a decent share. + With this exception they appear divine; + In lovely WOMAN angel-charms combine; + The whole indeed I do not here include; + Alas; too many act the jilt and prude. + When kind, they're ev'ry blessing found below: + When otherwise a curse we often know. + + + + + + + THE LITTLE DOG + + + THE key, which opes the chest of hoarded gold. + Unlocks the heart that favours would withhold. + To this the god of love has oft recourse, + When arrows fail to reach the secret source, + And I'll maintain he's right, for, 'mong mankind, + Nice presents ev'ry where we pleasing find; + Kings, princes, potentates, receive the same, + And when a lady thinks she's not to blame, + To do what custom tolerates around; + When Venus' acts are only Themis' found, + I'll nothing 'gainst her say; more faults than one, + Besides the present, have their course begun. + + A MANTUAN judge espoused a beauteous fair: + Her name was Argia:--Anselm was her care, + An aged dotard, trembling with alarms, + While she was young, and blessed with seraph charms. + But, not content with such a pleasing prize, + His jealousy appeared without disguise, + Which greater admiration round her drew, + Who doubtless merited, in ev'ry view, + Attention from the first in rank or place + So elegant her form, so fine her face. + + 'TWOULD endless prove, and nothing would avail, + Each lover's pain minutely to detail: + Their arts and wiles; enough 'twill be no doubt, + To say the lady's heart was found so stout, + She let them sigh their precious hours away, + And scarcely seemed emotion to betray. + + WHILE at the judge's, Cupid was employed, + Some weighty things the Mantuan state annoyed, + Of such importance, that the rulers meant, + An embassy should to the Pope be sent. + As Anselm was a judge of high degree, + No one so well embassador could be. + + 'TWAS with reluctance he agreed to go, + And be at Rome their mighty Plenipo'; + The business would be long, and he must dwell + Six months or more abroad, he could not tell. + Though great the honour, he should leave his dove, + Which would be painful to connubial love. + Long embassies and journeys far from home + Oft cuckoldom around induce to roam. + + THE husband, full of fears about his wife; + Exclaimed--my ever--darling, precious life, + I must away; adieu, be faithful pray, + To one whose heart from you can never stray + But swear to me, my duck, (for, truth to tell, + I've reason to be jealous of my belle,) + Now swear these sparks, whose ardour I perceive, + Have sighed without success, and I'll believe. + But still your honour better to secure, + From slander's tongue, and virtue to ensure, + I'd have you to our country-house repair; + The city quit:--these sly gallants beware; + Their presents too, accurst invention found, + With danger fraught, and ever much renowned; + For always in the world, where lovers move, + These gifts the parent of assentment prove. + 'Gainst those declare at once; nor lend an ear + To flattery, their cunning sister-peer. + If they approach, shut straight both ears and eyes; + For nothing you shall want that wealth supplies; + My store you may command; the key behold, + Where I've deposited my notes and gold. + Receive my rents; expend whate'er you please; + I'll look for no accounts; live quite at ease; + I shall be satisfied with what you do, + If naught therein to raise a blush I view; + You've full permission to amuse your mind; + Your love, howe'er, for me alone's designed; + That, recollect, must be for my return, + For which our bosoms will with ardour burn. + + THE good man's bounty seemingly was sweet; + All pleasures, one excepted, she might greet; + But that, alas! by bosoms unpossessed, + No happiness arises from the rest: + His lady promised ev'ry thing required:-- + Deaf, blind, and cruel,--whosoe'er admired; + And not a present would her hand receive + At his return, he fully might believe, + She would be found the same as when he went, + Without gallant, or aught to discontent. + + HER husband gone, she presently retired + Where Anselm had so earnestly desired; + The lovers came, but they were soon dismissed, + And told, from visits they must all desist; + Their assiduities were irksome grown, + And she was weary of their lovesick tone. + Save one, they all were odious to the fair; + A handsome youth, with smart engaging air; + But whose attentions to the belle were vain; + In spite of arts, his aim he could not gain; + His name was Atis, known to love and arms, + Who grudged no pains, could he possess her charms. + Each wile he tried, and if he'd kept to sighs, + No doubt the source is one that never dries; + But often diff'rent with expense 'tis found; + His wealth was wasted rapidly around + He wretched grew; at length for debt he fled, + And sought a desert to conceal his head. + As on the road he moved, a clown he met, + Who with his stick an adder tried to get, + From out a thicket, where it hissing lay, + And hoped to drive the countryman away: + Our knight his object asked; the clown replied, + To slay the reptile anxiously I tried; + Wherever met, an adder I would kill: + The race should be extinct if I'd my will. + + WHY would'st thou, friend, said Atis, these destroy? + God meant that all should freely life enjoy. + The youthful knight for reptiles had, we find, + Less dread than what prevails with human kind; + He bore them in his arms:--they marked his birth; + From noble Cadmus sprung, who, when on earth, + At last, to serpent was in age transformed; + The adder's bush the clown no longer stormed; + No more the spotted reptile sought to stay, + But seized the time, and quickly crept away. + + AT length our lover to a wood retired; + To live concealed was what the youth desired; + Lorn silence reigned, except from birds that sang, + And dells that oft with sweetest echo rang. + There HAPPINESS and frightful MIS'RY lay, + Quite undistinguished: classed with beasts of prey; + That growling prowled in search of food around: + There Atis consolation never found. + LOVE thither followed, and, however viewed, + 'Twas vain to hope his passion to elude; + Retirement fed the tender, ardent flame, + And irksome ev'ry minute soon became. + Let us return, cried he, since such our fate: + 'Tis better, Atis, bear her frowns and hate, + Than of her beauteous features lose the view; + Ye nightingales and streams, ye woods adieu! + When far from her I neither see nor hear: + 'Tis she alone my senses still revere; + A slave I am, who fled her dire disdain; + Yet seek once more to wear the cruel chain. + + AS near some noble walls our knight arrived, + Which fairy-hands to raise had once contrived, + His eyes beheld, at peep of early morn, + When bright Aurora's beams the earth adorn, + A beauteous nymph in royal robes attired, + Of noble mien, and formed to be admired, + Who t'ward him drew, with pleasing, gracious air, + While he was wrapped in thought, a prey to care. + + SAID she, I'd have you, Atis, happy be; + 'Tis in my pow'r, and this I hope to see; + A fairy greet me, Manto is my name:-- + Your friend, and one you've served unknown:--the same + My fame you've heard, no doubt; from me proceeds + The Mantuan town, renowned for ancient deeds; + In days of yore I these foundations laid, + Which in duration, equal I have made, + To those of Memphis, where the Nile's proud course + Majestically flows from hidden source. + The cruel Parcae are to us unknown; + We wond'rous magick pow'rs have often shown; + But wretched, spite of this, appears our lot + Death never comes, though various ills we've got, + For we to human maladies are prone, + And suffer greatly oft, I freely own. + + ONCE, in each week to serpents we are changed; + Do you remember how you here arranged, + To save an adder from a clown's attack? + 'Twas I, the furious rustick wished to hack, + When you assisted me to get away; + For recompense, my friend, without delay, + I'll you procure the kindness of the fair, + Who makes you love and drives you to despair: + We'll go and see her:--be assured from me, + Before two days are passed, as I foresee, + You'll gain, by presents, Argia and the rest, + Who round her watch, and are the suitor's pest. + Grudge no expense, be gen'rous, and be bold, + Your handfuls scatter, lavish be of gold. + Assured you shall not want the precious ore; + For I command the whole of Plutus' store, + Preserved, to please me, in the shades below; + This charmer soon our magick pow'r shall know. + + THE better to approach the cruel belle, + And to your suit her prompt consent compel, + Myself transformed you'll presently perceive; + And, as a little dog, I'll much achieve, + Around and round I'll gambol o'er the lawn, + And ev'ry way attempt to please and fawn, + While you, a pilgrim, shall the bag-pipe play; + Come, bring me to the dame without delay. + + NO sooner said, the lover quickly changed, + Together with the fairy, as arranged; + A pilgrim he, like Orpheus, piped and sang; + While Manto, as a dog, skipt, jumped, and sprang. + + THEY thus proceeded to the beauteous dame; + Soon valets, maids, and others round them came; + The dog and pilgrim gave extreme delight + And all were quite diverted at the sight. + + THE lady heard the noise, and sent her maid, + To learn the reason why they romped and played: + She soon returned and told the lovely belle, + A spaniel danced, and even spoke so well, + it ev'ry thing could fully understand, + And showed obedience to the least command. + 'Twere better come herself and take a view: + The things were wond'rous that the dog could do. + + THE dame at any price the dog would buy, + In case the master should the boon deny. + To give the dog our pilgrim was desired; + But though he would not grant the thing required; + He whispered to the maid the price he'd take, + And some proposals was induced to make. + Said he, 'tis true, the creature 's not for sale; + Nor would I give it: prayers will ne'er prevail; + Whate'er I chance to want from day to day, + It furnishes without the least delay. + To have my wish, three words alone I use, + Its paw I squeeze, and whatsoe'er I choose, + Of gold, or jewels, fall upon the ground; + Search all the world, there's nothing like it found. + Your lady's rich, and money does not want; + Howe'er, my little dog to her I'll grant + If she'll a night permit me in her bed, + The treasure shall at once to her be led. + + THE maid at this proposal felt surprise; + Her mistress truly! less might well suffice; + A paltry knave! cried she, it makes me laugh; + What! take within her bed a pilgrim's staff! + Were such a circumstance abroad to get, + My lady would with ridicule be met; + The dog and master, probably, were last + Beneath a hedge, or on a dunghill cast; + A house like this they'll never see agen;-- + But then the master is the pride of men, + And that in love is ev'ry thing we find + Much wealth and beauty please all womankind! + + HIS features and his mien the knight had changed; + Each air and look for conquest were arranged. + The maid exclaimed: when such a lover sues, + How can a woman any thing refuse? + Besides the pilgrim has a dog, 'tis plain, + Not all the wealth of China could obtain. + Yet to possess my lady for a night, + Would to the master be supreme delight: + + I SHOULD have mentioned, that our cunning spark; + The dog would whisper (feigning some remark,) + On which ten ducats tumbled at his feet; + These Atis gave the maid, (O deed discreet;) + Then fell a diamond: this our wily wight + Took up, and smiling at the precious sight, + Said he, what now I hold I beg you'll bear, + To her you serve, so worthy of your care; + Present my compliments, and to her say, + I'm her devoted servant from to-day. + + THU female quickly to her mistress went; + Our charming little dog to represent: + The various pow'rs displayed, and wonders done; + Yet scarcely had she on the knight begun, + And mentioned what he wished her to unfold, + But Argia could her rage no longer hold; + A fellow! to presume, cried she, to speak + Of me with freedom!--I am not so weak, + To listen to such infamy, not I + A pilgrim too!--no, you may well rely, + E'en were he Atis, it would be the same, + To whom I now my cruel conduct blame: + Such things he never would to me propose; + Not e'en a monarch would the like disclose; + I'm 'bove temptation, presents would not do:-- + Not Plutus' stores, if offered to my view; + A paltry pilgrim to presume indeed, + To think that I would such a blackguard heed, + Ambassadress my rank! and to admit + A fellow, only for the gallows fit! + + THIS pilgrim, cried the maid, has got the means + Not only belles to get, but even queens; + Or beauteous goddesses he could obtain:-- + He's worth a thousand Atis's 'tis plain. + Bur, said the wife, my husband made me vow. + What? cried the maid, you'd not bedeck his brow! + A pretty promise truly:--can you think, + You less from this, than from the first, should shrink? + Who'll know the fact, or publish it around? + Consider well, how many might be found, + Who, were they marked with spot upon the nose, + When things had taken place that we suppose, + Would not their heads so very lofty place, + I'm well assured, but feel their own disgrace. + For such a thing, are we the worse a hair? + No, no, good lady, who presumes to swear, + He can discern the lips which have been pressed, + By those that never have the fact confessed, + Must be possessed of penetrating eyes, + Which pierce the sable veil of dark disguise. + This favour, whether you accord or not, + 'Twill not a whit be less nor more a blot. + For whom, I pray, LOVE'S treasures would you hoard? + For one, who never will a treat afford, + Or what is much the same, has not the pow'r? + All he may want you'll give him in an hour, + At his return; he's very weak and old, + And, doubtless, ev'ry way is icy cold! + + THE cunning girl such rhetorick displayed, + That all she said, her mistress, having weighed, + Began to doubt alone, and not deny + The spaniel's art, and pilgrim's piercing eye: + To her the master and his dog were led, + To satisfy her mind while still in bed; + For bright Aurora, from the wat'ry deep, + Not more reluctantly arose from sleep. + + OUR spark approached the dame with easy air, + Which seemed the man of fashion to declare; + His compliments were made with ev'ry grace, + That minds most difficult could wish to trace. + + THE fair was charmed, and with him quite content; + You do not look, said she, like one who meant + Saint James of Compostella soon to see, + Though, doubtless, oft to saints you bend the knee. + + TO entertain the smiling beauteous dame, + The dog, by various tricks, confirmed his flame, + To please the maid and mistress he'd in view: + Too much for these of course he could not do; + Though, for the husband, he would never move, + The little fav'rite sought again to prove + His wond'rous worth, and scattered o'er the ground, + With sudden shake, among the servants round, + Nice pearls, which they on strings arranged with care; + And these the pilgrim offered to the fair: + Gallantly fastened them around her arms, + Admired their whiteness and extolled her charms: + So well he managed, 'twas at length agreed, + In what his heart desired he should succeed; + The dog was bought: the belle bestowed a kiss, + As earnest of the promised future bliss. + + THE night arrived, when Atis fondly pressed, + Within his arms, the lady thus caressed; + Himself he suddenly became again, + On which she scarcely could her joy contain:-- + Th' ambassador she more respect should show, + Than favours on a pilgrim to bestow. + + THE fair and spark so much admired the night; + That others followed equal in delight; + Each felt the same, for where's the perfect shade; + That can conceal when joys like these pervade? + Expression strongly marks the youthful face, + And all that are not blind the truth can trace. + Some months had passed, when Anselm was dismissed; + Of gifts and pardons, long appeared his list; + A load of honours from the Pope he got:-- + The CHURCH will these most lib'rally allot. + + FROM his vicegerent quickly he received + A good account, and friends his fears relieved; + The servants never dropt a single word + Of what had passed, but all to please concurred. + + THE judge, both maid and servants, questioned much; + But not a hint he got, their care was such. + Yet, as it often happens 'mong the FAIR, + The devil entered on a sudden there; + Such quarrels 'tween the maid and mistress rose, + The former vowed she would the tale disclose. + Revenge induced her ev'ry thing to tell, + Though she were implicated with the belle. + + SO great the husband's rage, no words can speak: + His fury somewhere he of course would wreak; + But, since to paint it clearly would be vain-- + You'll by the sequel judge his poignant pain. + + A SERVANT Anselm ordered to convey + His wife a note, who was, without delay, + To come to town her honoured spouse to see; + Extremely ill (for such he feigned to be.) + As yet the lady in the country stayed; + Her husband to and fro' his visits paid. + + SAID he, remember, when upon the road, + Conducting Argia from her lone abode, + You must contrive her men to get away, + And with her none but you presume to stay.-- + A jade! she horns has planted on my brow: + Her death shall be the consequence I vow. + + WITH force a poinard in her bosom thrust; + Watch well th' occasion:--die, I say, she must, + The deed performed, escape; here's for you aid; + The money take:--pursuit you can evade; + As I request, proceed; then trust to me:-- + You naught shall want wherever you may be. + + TO seek fair Argia instantly he went; + She, by her dog, was warned of his intent. + How these can warn? if asked, I shall reply, + They grumble, bark, complain, or fawn, or sigh; + Pull petticoat or gown, and snarl at all, + Who happen in their way just then to fall; + But few so dull as not to comprehend; + Howe'er, this fav'rite whispered to his friend, + The dangers that awaited her around; + But go, said he, protection you have found; + Confide in me:--I'll ev'ry ill prevent, + For which the rascal hither has been sent. + As on they moved, a wood was in the way, + Where robbers often waited for their prey; + The villain whom the husband had employed, + Sent forward those whose company annoyed, + And would prevent his execrable plan; + The last of horrid crimes.--disgrace to man! + No sooner had the wretch his orders told, + But Argia vanished--none could her behold; + The beauteous belle was quickly lost to view: + A cloud, the fairy Manto o'er her threw. + + THIS circumstance astonished much the wretch, + Who ran to give our doating spouse a sketch + Of what had passed so strange upon the way; + Old Anselm thither went without delay, + When, marvellous to think! with great surprise, + He saw a palace of extensive size, + Erected where, an hour or two before, + A hovel was not seen, nor e'en a door. + + THE husband stood aghast!--admired the place, + Not built for man, e'en gods 'twould not disgrace. + The rooms were gilt; the decorations fine; + The gardens and the pleasure-grounds divine; + Such rich magnificence was never seen; + Superb the whole, a charming blessed demesne. + The entrance ev'ry way was open found; + But not a person could be viewed around, + Except a negro, hideous to behold, + Who much resembled AEsop, famed of old. + + OUR judge the negro for a porter took, + Who was the house to clean and overlook; + And taking him for such, the black addressed, + With full belief the title was the best, + And that he greatly honoured him, 'twas plain + (Of ev'ry colour men are proud and vain:) + Said he, my friend, what god this palace owns? + Too much it seems for those of earthly thrones; + No king, of consequence enough could be; + The palace, cried the black, belongs to me. + + THE judge was instantly upon his knees, + The negro's pardon asked, and sought to please; + I trust, said he, my lord, you'll overlook + The fault I made: my ignorance mistook. + The universe has not so nice a spot; + The world so beautiful a palace got! + + DOST wish me, said the black, the house to give, + For thee and thine therein at ease to live? + On one condition thou shalt have the place + For thee I seriously intend the grace, + If thou 'lt on me a day or two attend, + As page of honour:--dost thou comprehend? + The custom know'st thou--better I'll expound; + A cup-bearer with Jupiter is found, + Thou'st heard no doubt. + + ANSELM + + What, Ganymede? + + NEGRO + + The same; + And I'm that Jupiter of mighty fame; + The chief supreme who rules above the skies; + Be thou the lad with fascinating eyes, + Though not so handsome, nor in truth so young. + + ANSELM + + You jest, my lord; to youth I don't belong; + 'Tis very clear;--my judge's dress--my age! + + NEGRO + + I jest? thou dream'st. + + ANSELM + + My lord? + + NEGRO + + You won't engage? + Just as you will:--'tis all the same you'll find. + + ANSELM + + My lord!. . . . The learned judge himself resigned, + The black's mysterious wishes to obey;-- + Alas! curst presents, how they always weigh! + + A PAGE the magistrate was quickly seen, + In dress, in look, in age, in air, in mien; + His hat became a cap; his beard alone + Remained unchanged; the rest had wholly flown. + + THUS metamorphosed to a pretty boy, + The judge proceeded in the black's employ. + Within a corner hidden, Argia lay, + And heard what Anselm had been led to say. + The Moor howe'er was Manto, most renowned, + Transformed, as oft the fairy we have found; + She built the charming palace by her art,-- + Now youthful features would to age impart. + + AT length, as Anselm through a passage came, + He suddenly beheld his beauteous dame. + What! learned Anselm do I see, said she, + In this disguise?--It surely cannot be; + My eyes deceive me:--Anselm, grave and wise; + Give such a lesson? I am all surprise. + + 'TIS doubtless he: oh, oh! our bald-pate sire; + Ambassador and judge, we must admire, + To see your honour thus in masquerade:-- + At your age, truly, suffer to be made + A--modesty denies my tongue its powr's + What!--you condemn to death for freaks like ours? + You, whom I've found *** you understand--for shame + Your crimes are such as all must blush to name. + Though I may have a negro for gallant, + And erred when Atis for me seemed to pant, + His merit and the black's superior rank, + Must lessen, if not quite excuse my prank. + Howe'er, old boy, you presently shall see, + If any belle solicited should be, + To grant indulgencies, with presents sweet, + She will not straight capitulation beat; + At least, if they be such as I have viewed:-- + Moor, change to dog; immediately ensued + The metamorphose that the fair required, + The black'moor was again a dog admired. + Dance, fav'rite; instantly he skipped and played; + And to the judge his pretty paw conveyed. + Spaniel, scatter gold; presently there fell + Large sums of money, as the sound could tell. + Such strong temptation who can e'er evade? + The dog a present to your wife was made. + Then show me, if you can, upon the earth, + A queen, a princess, of the highest birth, + Who would not virtue presently concede, + If such excuses for it she could plead; + Particularly if the giver proved + A handsome lad that elegantly moved. + + I, TRULY, for the spaniel was exchanged; + What you'd too much of, freely I arranged, + To grant away, this jewel to obtain + My value 's nothing great, you think, 'tis plain; + And, surely, you'd have thought me very wrong, + When such a prize I met, to haggle long. + 'Twas he this palace raised; but I have done; + Remember, since you've yet a course to run, + Take care again how you command my death; + In spite of your designs I draw my breath. + Though none but Atis with me had success, + I now desire, he may Lucretia bless, + And wish her to surrender up her charms, + (Just like myself) to his extended arms. + If you approve, our peace at once is made: + If not--while I've this dog I'm not afraid, + But you defy: I dread not swords nor bowl; + The little dog can warn me of the whole; + The jealous he confounds; be that no more; + Such folly hence determine to give o'er. + If you, to put restraints on women choose, + You'll sooner far their fond affections lose. + + THE whole our judge conceded;--could he less? + The secret of his recent change of dress + Was promised to be kept: and that unknown, + E'en cuckoldom again might there have flown. + + OUR couple mutual compensation made, + Then bade adieu to hill, and dale, and glade. + + SOME critick asks the handsome palace' fate; + I answer:--that, my friend, I shan't relate; + It disappeared, no matter how nor when. + Why put such questions?--strict is not my pen. + The little dog, pray what of that became? + To serve the lover was his constant aim. + + AND how was that?--You're troublesome my friend: + The dog perhaps would more assistance lend; + On new intrigues his master might be bent; + With single conquest who was e'er content? + + THE fav'rite spaniel oft was missing found; + But when the little rogue had gone his round, + He'd then return, as if from work relieved, + To her who first his services received. + His fondness into fervent friendship grew; + As such gay Atis visited anew; + He often came, but Argia was sincere, + And firmly to her vow would now adhere: + Old Anselm too, had sworn, by heav'n above; + No more to be suspicious of his love; + And, if he ever page became again, + To suffer punishment's severest pain. + + + + +ETEXT EDITOR'S BOOKMARKS: + +Twere wrong with hope our fond desires to feed + + + + + +*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK TALES AND NOVELS OF FONTAINE, V7 *** + +*********** This file should be named 5281.txt or 5281.zip ********** + +This eBook was produced by David Widger + +Project Gutenberg eBooks are often created from several printed +editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the US +unless a copyright notice is included. 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