Tales and Novels of J. de La Fontaine — Volume 07 by Jean de La Fontaine
page 29 of 32 (90%)
page 29 of 32 (90%)
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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. |
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