Tales and Novels of J. de La Fontaine — Volume 09 by Jean de La Fontaine
page 13 of 16 (81%)
page 13 of 16 (81%)
|
WHAT is the inference? you ask:--I'll tell;--
Live single, if you know you are well; But if old Hymen o'er your senses reign, Beware Honestas, or you'll rue the chain. * By this character La Fontaine is supposed to have meant his own wife. THE LITTLE BELL HOW weak is man! how changeable his mind! His promises are naught, too oft we find; I vowed (I hope in tolerable verse,) Again no idle story to rehearse. And whence this promise?--Not two days ago; I'm quite confounded; better I should know: A rhymer hear then, who himself can boast, Quite steady for--a minute at the most. The pow'rs above could PRUDENCE ne'er design; For those who fondly court the SISTERS NINE. Some means to please they've got, you will confess; But none with certainty the charm possess. If, howsoever, I were doomed to find Such lines as fully would content the mind: |
|