Tales and Novels of J. de La Fontaine — Volume 07 by Jean de La Fontaine
page 21 of 32 (65%)
page 21 of 32 (65%)
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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. |
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