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diff --git a/5289.txt b/5289.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..e1fab04 --- /dev/null +++ b/5289.txt @@ -0,0 +1,1020 @@ +The Project Gutenberg Ebook The Mandrake & The Rhemese, by La Fontaine +#15 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, v15: The Mandrake & The Rhemese + +Author: Jean de La Fontaine + +Release Date: March, 2004 [EBook #5289] +[Yes, we are more than one year ahead of schedule] +[This file was first posted on June 21, 2002] + +Edition: 10 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + + + + + +*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK TALES AND NOVELS OF FONTAINE, V15 *** + + + +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 15. + + Contains: + The Mandrake + The Rhemese + + + + THE MANDRAKE + + + FLORENTINE we now design to show;-- + A greater blockhead ne'er appeared below; + It seems a prudent woman he had wed, + With beauty that might grace a monarch's bed; + Young, brisk, good-humoured, with engaging mien; + None in the town, or round, the like was seen: + Her praises every voice inclined to sing, + And judged her worthy of a mighty king; + At least a better husband she deserved: + An arrant fool he looked, and quite unnerved. + This Nicia Calfucci (for such his name) + Was fully bent to have a father's fame, + And thought his country honour he could do, + Could he contrive his lineage to pursue. + No holy saint in Paradise was blessed, + But what this husband fervently addressed; + From day to day, so oft he teazed for grace, + They scarcely knew his off'rings where to place. + No matron, quack, nor conjurer around, + But what he tried their qualities profound; + Yet all in vain: in spite of charm or book, + No father he, whatever pains he took. + + TO Florence then returned a youth from France; + Where he had studied,--more than complaisance: + Well trained as any from that polished court; + To Fortune's favours anxious to resort; + Gallant and seeking ev'ry FAIR to please; + Each house, road, alley, soon he knew at ease; + The husbands, good or bad, their whims and years, + With ev'ry thing that moved their hopes or fears; + What sort of fuel best their females charmed; + What spies were kept by those who felt alarmed; + The if's, for's, to's, and ev'ry artful wile, + That might in love a confidant beguile, + Or nurse, or father-confessor, or dog; + When passion prompts, few obstacles can clog. + + THE snares were spread, each stratagem was laid; + And every thing arranged to furnish aid, + When our gay spark determined to invest + Old Nicia with the cuckold's branching crest. + The plan no doubt was well conceived and bold; + The lady to her friends appeared not cold; + Within her husband's house she seemed polite; + But ne'er familiarly was seen invite, + No further could a lover dare proceed; + Not one had hope the belle his flame would heed. + + OUR youth, Calimachus, no sooner came, + But he howe'er appeared to please the dame; + His camp he pitched and entered on the siege + Of fair Lucretia, faithful to her liege, + Who presently the haughty tigress played, + And sent him, like the rest, away dismayed. + + HE, scarcely knew what saint he could invoke; + When Nicia's folly served him for a cloak; + However strange, no stratagem nor snare, + But what the fool would willingly prepare + With all his heart, and nothing fancy wrong; + That might to others possibly belong. + The lover and himself, as learned men, + Had conversations ev'ry now and then; + For Nicia was a doctor in the law: + Degree, to him, not worth a single straw; + Far better had he common prudence traced; + And not his confidence so badly placed. + + ONE day he to Calimachus complained, + Of want of heirs, and wished they could be gained: + Where lay the fault? He was a gay gallant; + Lucretia young with features to enchant. + When I at Paris was, replied our wight, + There passed a clever man, a curious sight, + His company with anxious care I sought, + And was at length a hundred secrets taught; + 'Mong others how, at will, to get an heir:-- + A certain thing, he often would declare; + The great Mogul had tried it on his queen, + just two years since, the heir might then be seen; + And many other princesses of fame, + Had added by it to their husband's name. + 'Twas very true; I've seen it fully proved: + The remedy all obstacles removed; + 'Tis from the root of certain tree expressed; + A juice most potent ev'ry where confessed, + And Mandrake called, which taken by a wife; + More pow'r evinces o'er organick life, + Than from conventual grace was e'er derived, + Though in the cloister youthful friars hived. + + TEN months from hence I'll you a father make; + No longer time than that I ask to take; + This period o'er, the child to church we'll bring,-- + If true, said Nicia, what a glorious thing! + You'll do me services I can't express.-- + Don't doubt it, cried the spark of smart address: + Must I the fact so oft to you repeat? + I've seen it with my eyes; 'tis most complete; + You mean to jest, assuredly my friend; + Would you by doubts the great Mogul offend? + So handsomely this traveller he paid, + No sign of discontent he e'er betrayed. + + 'TIS excellent, the Florentine replied; + Lucretia must be pleased to have it tried; + What satisfaction! in her arms to view + An infant that my lineage will renew. + Now, worthy friend, you god-father shall stand; + This very day pray take the thing in hand. + + NOT quite so fast, rejoined our smart gallant, + First know the plan, before consent you grant; + There is an ill attends the whole affair; + But what below, alas! is free from care; + This juice, possessing virtues so divine, + Has also pow'rs that prove the most malign: + Whoe'er receives the patient's first embrace; + Too fatally the dire effects will trace; + Death oft succeeds the momentary joy; + We scarcely good can find without alloy. + + YOUR servant; sir, said Nicia with surprise; + No more of this: the name will me suffice; + Lucretia we will let remain at ease: + What you propose can never truly please; + If I must die by getting of a son, + 'Tis better far the benefit to shun; + Go find some other for your wondrous art; + In fact I'm not inclined with life to part. + + HOW strange your conduct, cried the sprightly youth: + Extremes you seek, and overleap the truth; + Just now the fond desire to have a boy + Chased ev'ry care and filled your heart with joy; + At present quite the contrary appears + A moment changed your fondest hopes to fears; + Come, hear the rest; no longer waste your breath: + Kind Nature all can cure, excepting death. + What's necessary pray, that things succeed? + Some youthful clod for once should take the lead, + And clear the way of ev'ry venom round + Then you with safety may commence to sound; + No time you'll lose, but instantly begin + And you'll most certainly your object win. + This step is necessary to the end; + Some lad of little worth I recommend; + But not ill made, nor savagely robust, + To give your lady terror nor disgust. + We know that, used to Nicia's soft caress, + Lucretia would disrelish rude address; + Indeed 'tis possible in such event, + Her tender heart would never give consent; + This led me to propose a man that's young; + Besides, the more he proves for action strong, + The less of venom will behind remain, + And I'll engage that ev'ry drop he'll drain. + + AT first the husband disapproved the plan, + The infamy, and danger which they ran + Perhaps the magistrate might have him sought, + And he, of murder, guilty might be thought; + The sudden death would mightily perplex; + A fellow's creature's loss would sorely vex; + Lucretia, who'd withstood each tempter's charms, + Was now to be disgraced in rustick arms! + + CALIMACHUS, with eagerness replied; + I would a man of consequence provide, + Or one, at all events, whose anxious aim + Would be, aloud the myst'ry, to proclaim! + But fear and folly would contain the clown, + Or money at the worst would stop renown, + Your better half apparently resigned; + The clod without intention of the kind; + In short whate'er arrived, 'tis clear your case + Could not with Cuckoldom be well in place. + Besides 'tis no way certain but our blade, + By strength of nerves the poison may evade; + And that's a double reason for the choice, + Since with more certainty we shall rejoice: + The venom may evaporate in fume, + And Mandrake pleasing pow'rs at once assume; + For when I spoke of death, I did not mean, + That nothing from it would the person screen; + To-morrow we the rustick lad must name; + To-night the potion given your charming dame; + I've some already with me, all prepared; + Let nothing of your project be declared: + You should not seem to know what we've designed; + Ligurio you'll permit this clod to find; + You can most thoroughly in him confide: + Discretion, secrecy, with him reside. + One thing, however, nearly I'd forgot; + A bandage for the eyes we should allot; + And when well bound he nothing e'er can trace + Of whom, or what, the lady, or the place. + + THE whole arrangement Nicia much approved; + But now 'twas time the lady should be moved. + At first she thought it jest, then angry grew, + And vowed the plan she never would pursue; + Her life she'd rather forfeit than her name: + Once known, for ever lost would be her fame + Besides the heinous sin and vile offence, + God knew she rather would with all dispense; + Mere complaisance had led her to comply; + Would she admit a wretch with blearing eye, + To incommode, and banish tranquil ease? + Who could conceive her formed a clod to please? + Can I, said she, the paths of honour quit, + And in my bed a loathsome brute permit? + Or e'er regard the plan but with disdain? + No, by saint John, I ever will maintain, + Nor beau, nor clown, nor king, nor lord, nor 'squire, + Save Nicia, with me freely shall retire. + + THE fair Lucretia seemed so firmly bent, + To father Timothy at length they went, + Who preached the lady such a fine discourse, + She ceded more through penitence than force. + + MOREOVER she was promised that the lad + Should be nor clownish, nor in person bad; + Nor such as any way might give disgust, + But one to whom she perfectly might trust. + + THE wondrous draught was taken by the fair; + Next day our Wight prepared his wily snare: + Himself bepowdered like a miller's man, + With beard and whiskers to complete his plan; + A better metamorphose ne'er was seen; + Ligurio, who had in the secret been, + So thoroughly disguised the lover thought, + At midnight him to Nicia freely brought, + With bandage o'er the eyes and hair disdained, + Not once the husband of deceit complained. + + BESIDE the dame in silence slid our spark; + In silence she attended in the dark, + Perfumed and nicely ev'ry way bedecked; + For what? you ask, or whom did she expect; + Were all these pains a miller to receive?-- + Too much they cannot take, the sex believe; + And whether kings or millers be their aim, + The wish to please is ever found the same. + 'Tis double honour in a woman thought, + When by her charms a torpid heart is caught; + She, who in icy bosoms flame can raise, + Deserving doubtless is of treble praise. + + THE spark disguised, his place no sooner took, + But awkwardness he presently forsook; + No more the miller, but the smart gallant: + The lady found him kind and complaisant; + Such moments we'll suppose were well employed; + Though trembling fears not perfectly destroyed. + + SHE, to herself, remarked, 'tis very strange, + This lad's demeanour should so quickly change; + He's quite another character, 'tis clear; + What pity that his end should be so near; + Alas! he merits not so hard a fate; + I feel regret the lot should him await; + And while soft pleasure seems his heart's delight; + His soul is doomed from hence to take its flight. + + THE husband who so fully gave consent, + Was led his partner's suff'rings to lament + The spirit of a queen in truth she showed, + When cuckoldom was on her spouse bestowed; + In decoration, forced to acquiesce, + She would not condescend to join caress. + + LUCRETIA howsoe'er the lad approved; + His winning manners much her favour moved. + + WHEN he the subtle venom had subdued, + He took her hand, and having fondly sued, + Said he, your pardon lady now I ask; + Be not displeased when I remove the mask; + Your rage restrain; a trick on you's been played; + Calimachus am I; be not dismayed; + Approve my sacrifice; the secret's known; + Your rigour would be useless now if shown; + Should I be doomed howe'er to breathe my last, + I die content, rememb'ring what has passed; + You have the means my life at will to take; + More havock with me soft delight could make, + Than any poison that the draught possessed; + Mere folly, imposition, all the rest. + + TILL then Lucretia had resistance made; + To seem submissive she was still afraid; + The lover was not hated by the belle, + But bashfulness she could not well dispel, + Which, joined to simple manners mixed with fear, + Ungrateful made her, spite of self, appear. + + IN silence wrapt, and scarcely drawing breath, + By passion moved, and yet ashamed to death, + Not knowing how to act, so great her grief, + From tears, her throbbing bosom sought relief. + Look, could she e'er her lover in the face? + Will he not think me covered with disgrace? + Said she, within herself;--what else believe? + My wits were lost to let him thus deceive. + O'ercome by sorrow, then she turned her head, + And tried to hide herself within the bed, + At furthest end, but vain alas her aim, + The lover thither in a moment came: + Her only ground, remaining unsubdued, + Surrendered when the vanquisher pursued, + Who every thing submitted to his will, + And tears no more her eyes were found to fill; + Shame took to flight, and scruples spread the wing; + How happy those whom duping GAIN can bring! + + TOO soon Aurora for our spark appeared; + Too soon for her so thoroughly revered; + Said he, the poison, that can life devour, + Requires repeated acts to crush its pow'r. + The foll'wing days our youthful am'rous pair + Found opportunities for pleasing fare. + The husband scarcely could himself contain, + So anxiously he wished his aim to gain. + + THE lover from the belle at length arose, + And hastened to his house to seek repose; + But scarcely had he placed himself in bed, + When our good husband's footsteps thither led; + He, to the spark, related with delight, + How mandrake-juice succeeded in the night. + Said he, at first beside the bed I crept, + And listened if the miller near her kept, + Or whether he to converse was inclined, + And ev'ry way to act as was designed. + I then my wife was anxious to address, + And whispered that she should the youth caress; + Nor dread too much the spoiling of her charms: + Indeed 'twas all embarrassing alarms. + Don't think, said I, that either can deceive; + I ev'ry thing shall hear, you may believe; + Know, Nicia is a man, who well may say, + He's trusted without measure ev'ry day. + + PRAY recollect my very life 's at stake, + And do not many difficulties make. + Convince thereby how much your spouse you love; + 'Twill pleasure doubtless give the pow'rs above. + But should the blockhead any how prove shy + Send instantly to me; I shall be nigh; + I'm going now to rest; by no means fail; + We'll soon contrive and ev'ry way prevail. + But there was no necessity for this; + 'Tis pretty clear that nothing went amiss. + In fact the rustick liked the business well, + And seemed unwilling to resign the belle, + I pity him, and much lament his lot; + But--he must die and soon will be forgot: + A fig for those who used to crack their jest; + In nine months' time a child will be the test. + + + + + + + THE RHEMESE + + + NO city I to Rheims would e'er prefer: + Of France the pride and honour I aver; + The Holy Ampoule * and delicious wine, + Which ev'ry one regards as most divine, + We'll set apart, and other objects take: + The beauties round a paradise might make! + I mean not tow'rs nor churches, gates, nor streets; + But charming belles with soft enchanting sweets: + Such oft among the fair Rhemese we view: + Kings might be proud those graces to pursue. + + ONE 'mong these belles had to the altar led, + A painter, much esteemed, and who had bread. + What more was requisite!--he lived at ease, + And by his occupation sought to please. + A happy woman all believed his wife; + The husband's talents pleased her to the life: + For gallantry howe'er he was renowned, + And many am'rous dames, who dwelled around, + Would seek the artist with a double aim: + So all our chronicles record his fame. + But since much penetration 's not my boast, + I just believe--what's requisite at most. + + WHENE'ER the painter had in hand a fair, + He'd jest his wife, and laugh with easy air; + But Hymen's rights proceeding as they ought, + With jealous fears her breast was never fraught. + She might indeed repay his tricks in kind, + And gratify, in soft amours, her mind, + Except that she less confidence had shown, + And was not led to him the truth to own. + + AMONG the men attracted by her smiles, + Two neighbours, much delighted with her wiles; + Were often tempted, by her sprightly wit, + To listen to her chat, and with her sit; + For she had far the most engaging mien, + Of any charmer that around was seen. + Superior understanding she possessed; + Though fond of laughter, frolick, fun, and jest. + She to her husband presently disclosed + The love these cit-gallants to her proposed; + Both known for arrant blockheads through the town, + And ever boasting of their own renown. + To him she gave their various speeches, tones, + Each silly air: their tears, and sighs, and groans; + They'd read, or rather heard, we may believe, + That, when in love, with sighs fond bosoms heave. + Their utmost to succeed these coxcombs tried, + And seemed convinced they should not be denied; + A common cause they would the business hold, + And what one knew the other must be told. + Whichever first a favour might obtain, + Should tell his happiness to t'other swain. + + YE FAIR 'tis thus they oft your kindness treat: + The pleasure that he wished alone is sweet. + LOVE, is no more; of t'other, laid in earth, + We've here no traces scarcely from the birth. + You serve for sport and prey, to giddy youth, + Devoid of talents, principles, and truth. + 'Tis right they should suppose, still two are found; + Who take their course continually round. + The first that in your pleasure grounds appears; + I'd have you, on his wings, to use the shears. + + OUR lady then, her lovers to deceive, + One day observed--you shall, my friends, this eve; + Drink wine with me:--my husband will away, + And, what's delightful, till to-morrow stay; + We shall ourselves be able to amuse, + And laugh, and sing, and talk as we may choose. + 'Tis excellent, cried they: things well you frame; + And at the promised hour, the heroes came. + + WHEN introduced, and all supposing clear, + A sudden knocking turned their joy to fear; + The door was barred; she to the window flew; + I think, said she, that's to the master due; + And should it prove to be as I suspect:-- + 'Tis he, I vow:--fly, hide, he'll you detect; + Some accident, suspicion, or design, + Has brought him back to sleep, I now divine: + + OUR two gallants, when dangers round them pressed, + A closet entered, mightily distressed; + To get away 'twere folly to have tried; + The husband came, the roast he quickly spied; + With pigeons too, in diff'rent fashions cooked; + Why, hey! said he, as round about he looked: + What guests have you that supper you prepare? + The wife replied: two neighbours taste our fare: + Sweet Alice, and good Simonetta, mean + To-night, at table with us to be seen; + I'm quite rejoiced to think that you are here: + The company will more complete appear; + These dames will, by your presence, nothing lose; + I'll run and hasten them: 'twill you amuse; + The whole is ready; I'll at once away, + And beg, in coming, they'll no more delay. + + THE ladies named were wives of our gallants, + So fond of contraband, and smuggled grants, + Who, vexed to be confined, still praised the dame, + For skewing such address to 'scape from blame. + She soon returned, and with her brought the FAIR, + Who, gaily singing, entered free from care. + The painter them received with bow and kiss; + To praise their beauty he was not remiss; + Their dress was charming; all he much admired; + Their presence frolick, fun, and jest inspired, + Which no way pleased the husbands in the cage, + Who saw the freaks with marks of bursting rage: + The door half open gave a view complete, + How freely he their wives was led to treat. + + THINGS thus commenced, the supper next was served; + From playful tricks the painter never swerved, + But placed himself at table 'twist the two, + And jest and frolicking would still pursue. + To women, wine, and fun, said he, I drink; + Put round the toast; none from it e'er must shrink; + The order was obeyed; the glass oft filled + The party soon had all the liquor swilled: + + THE wife just then, it seems, no servant kept; + More wine to get, she to the cellar stept. + But dreading ghosts, she Simonetta prayed; + To light her down, she was so much afraid. + + THE painter was alone with Alice left, + A country belle, of beauty not bereft: + Slight, nicely made, with rather pretty face, + She thought herself possessed of ev'ry grace, + And, in a country town, she well might get + The appellation of a gay coquette. + + THE wily spark, perceiving no one near; + Soon ran from compliment to sweet and dear; + Her lips assailed;--the tucker drew aside, + And stole a kiss that hurt her husband's pride, + Who all beheld; but spouses, that are sage, + No trifles heed, nor peccadillos page; + Though, doubtless, when such meetings are possessed, + The simple kiss gives room to dread the rest; + For when the devil whispers in the ear + Of one that sleeps, he wakes at once to fear. + + THE husband, howsoe'er, at length perceived + Still more concessions, which his bosom grieved; + While on the neck a hand appeared to please, + The other wandered equally at ease; + Be not offended, love! was often said; + To frantick rage the sight her sposo led, + Who, beating in his hat, was on the move + To sally forth, his wrath to let them prove, + To thrash his wife, and force her spark to feel + his nervous arm could quickly make him reel. + + BE not so silly, whispered t'other Wight; + To stir up noise could ne'er be reckoned right; + Be quiet now: consider where we are; + Keep close, or else you'll all our pleasures mar; + Remember, written 'tis, By others do + The same as you would like they should by you; + 'Tis proper in this place we should remain + Till all is hushed in sleep: then freedom gain; + That's my opinion how we ought to act + Are you not half a cuckold now, in fact? + Fair Alice has consented:-that's enough; + The rest is mere compliance, nonsense, stuff! + + THE husband seemed the reasons to approve; + Some slight attempts the lady made to move; + No time for more. What then? you ask:--Why, then-- + The lady put her cap to rights agen; + No mark appeared suspicion to awake, + Except her cheek a scarlet hue might take. + Mere trifle that; from talking it might spring; + And other causes, doubtless, we could bring. + + ONE of the belles, howe'er, who went for wine, + Smiled, on returning, at the blushing sign: + The painter's wife; but soon they filled each glass, + And briskly round the bottle seemed to pass; + They drank the host, the hostess, and the FAIR, + Who, 'mong the three, should first her wishes share. + + AT length, a second time the bottle failed; + The hostess' fear of ghosts again prevailed, + And mistress Alice now for escort went, + Though much she wished the other to have sent; + With Simonetta she was forced to change, + And leave the painter at his ease to range. + + THIS dame at first appeared to be severe + Would leave the room, and feigned to be sincere; + But when the painter seized her by the gown, + She prudence showed, and feared he'd pull her down; + Her clothes might tear, which led her to remain: + On this the husband scarcely could contain; + He seemed resolved his hiding place to leave; + But instantly the other pulled his sleeve; + Be easy friend, said he, it is but right, + That equal favours we should have to-night, + And cuckoldom should take you to his care, + That we alike in ev'ry thing may fare. + + ARE we not brothers in adventure, pray? + And such our solemn promises, to-day. + Since one the painter clearly has disgraced, + The other equally should be embraced. + In spite of ev'ry thing you now advance, + Your wife as well as mine shall have a dance; + A hand I'll lend, if wanting it be found; + Say what you will, I'll see she has her round. + She had it then:--our painter tried to please; + The lady equally appeared at ease; + Full time the others gave, and when they came, + More wine was not required by spark nor dame; + 'Twas late, and for the day enough he'd done; + Good night was said: their course the belles had run; + The painter, satisfied, retired to rest; + The gay gallants, who lay so long distressed, + The wily hostess from the closet drew, + Abashed, disconsolate, and cuckolds too; + Still worse to think, with all their care and pain; + That neither of them could his wish obtain, + Or e'en return the dame what she procured + Their wives, whom she so cleverly allured. + + HERE ends our tale; the business is complete; + In soft amours success alone is sweet. + + + * The Saint Ampoule, or Holy Ampulla, a vial said to + have descended from heaven, in which was oil for anointing + the kings of France at the coronation, and formerly kept at + Rheims. + + + + +ETEXT EDITOR'S BOOKMARKS: + +By others do The same as you would like they should by you +The wish to please is ever found the same +We scarcely good can find without alloy +When passion prompts, few obstacles can clog + + + + + +*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK TALES AND NOVELS OF FONTAINE, V15 *** + +*********** This file should be named 5289.txt or 5289.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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