Tales and Novels of J. de La Fontaine — Volume 16 by Jean de La Fontaine
page 12 of 21 (57%)
page 12 of 21 (57%)
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Was seriously the dictates of my soul,
To act the brute and ev'ry way control? No, no, sweet fair, you know me not 'tis plain: I truly wish your fondest love to gain; Your heart I've probed, 'tis all that I desire; Mid joys I swim; my bosom feels the fire. Your rigour now in turn you may display; It is but fair: be bountiful I pray; Myself from hence your lover I declare; No woman merits more my bed to share, Whatever rank, or beauty, sense or life, You equally deserve to be my wife; Your husband I'll become; forget the past; Unpleasant recollections should not last. Yet there's one thing which much I wish to speak The marriage must be secret that we seek; There's no occasion reasons to disclose; What I have said I trust will you dispose, To act as I desire: you'll find it best:-- A wedding 's like amours while unconfessed; One THEN both husband and gallant appears, And ev'ry wily act the bosom cheers. Till we, continued he, a priest can find, Are you, to trust my promises inclined? You safely may; he'll to his word adhere: His heart is honest, and his tongue sincere. TO this fair Constance answered not a word, Which showed, with him, her sentiments concurred. The spark, no novice in the dumb assent, |
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