Tales and Novels of J. de La Fontaine — Volume 06 by Jean de La Fontaine
page 7 of 18 (38%)
page 7 of 18 (38%)
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Cits, courtiers, officers, the beau, the sage,
Adventurers of ev'ry rank and age. FROM these Calista presently made choice, Of one for whom her father gave his voice; A handsome lad, and thought good humoured too Few otherwise appear when first they woo. Her fortune ample was; the dow'r the same; The belle an only child; the like her flame. But better still, our couple's chief delight, Was mutual love and pleasure to excite. TWO years in paradise thus passed the pair, When bliss was changed to Hell's worst cank'ring care; A fit of jealousy the husband grieved, And, strange to tell, he all at once believed, A lover with success his wife addressed, When, but for him, the suit had ne'er been pressed; For though the spark, the charming fair to gain, Would ev'ry wily method try, 'twas plain, Yet had the husband never terrors shown, The lover, in despair, had quickly flown. WHAT should a husband do whose wife is sought, With anxious fondness by another? Naught. 'Tis this that leads me ever to advise, To sleep at ease whichever side he lies. In case she lends the spark a willing ear, 'Twill not be better if you interfere: She'll seek more opportunities you'll find; |
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