Tales and Novels of J. de La Fontaine — Volume 16 by Jean de La Fontaine
page 7 of 21 (33%)
page 7 of 21 (33%)
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Besides, your sex, and decency, 'tis clear,
To ev'ry disadvantage you appear. What use this eloquence, and what your aim? Such charms alone as your's could me inflame; Their pow'r is great, but fully I declare, I do not like advances from the FAIR. To Constance this a thunder-clap appeared; Howe'er, she in her purpose persevered. Said she, this treatment doubtless I deserve; But still, from truth my tongue can never swerve, And if I may presume my thoughts to speak, The plan which I've pursued your love to seek, Had never proved injurious to my cause, If still my beauty merited applause. From what you've said, and what your looks express To please your sight, no charms I now possess. Whence comes this change?--to you i will refer; Till now I was admired, you must aver; And ev'ry one my person highly praised; These precious gifts, that admiration raised, Alas! are fled, and since I felt LOVE'S flame, Experience whispers, I'm no more the same; No longer have charms that please your eyes: How happy I should feel if they'd suffice! THE suppliant belle now hoped to be allowed One half his bed to whom her sighs were vowed; But terror closed her lips; she nothing said, Though oft her eyes were to his pillow led. |
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