Tales and Novels of J. de La Fontaine — Volume 19 by Jean de La Fontaine
page 11 of 19 (57%)
page 11 of 19 (57%)
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Her throne and hand she gave, as was required.
T' EXTEND this tale was never my design; Though known full well, I do not now repine; The case so thoroughly my purpose served. Ne'er from the narrative the object swerved; And scarcely can I fancy, better light The DOCTOR will afford to what I write. The scenes that follow I from Rome have drawn; Not Rome of old, ere manners had their dawn, When customs were unpleasant and severe The females, silly, and gallants in fear; But Rome of modern days, delightful spot! Where better tastes have into fashion got, And pleasure solely occupies the mind To rapture ev'ry bosom seems resigned. A tempting journey truly it appears, For youths from twenty on to thirty years. NOT long ago, then, in the city dwelled, A master, who in teaching law excelled; In other matters he, howe'er, was thought A man that jollity and laughter sought. He criticised whatever passed around, And oft, at others' cost, diversion found. IT happened that our learned doctor had, Among his many pupils (good and bad) A Frenchman, less designed to study laws, Than, in amours, perhaps, to gain applause. |
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