Tales and Novels of J. de La Fontaine — Volume 15 by Jean de La Fontaine
page 10 of 22 (45%)
page 10 of 22 (45%)
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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. |
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