Tales and Novels of J. de La Fontaine — Volume 20 by Jean de La Fontaine
page 14 of 16 (87%)
page 14 of 16 (87%)
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A wife to live and die was her desire,
Much rather than be seen in Eve's attire; She vowed that, spite of what the priest disclosed; She never would consent to be exposed. SAID Peter, pretty work, upon my truth:-- Not let us see how you are made forsooth! What silly scruples!--Are they in your creed? You were not always led such scenes to heed: Pray how d'ye manage when for fleas you seek? 'Tis strange, good sir, that she should be so weak; What can you fear?--'tis folly time to waste; He will not eat you: come, I say, make haste: Have done with haggling; had you acted right, Ere now the parson all had finished quite. ON saying this, her garment off he took; Put on his spectacles to overlook; And parson John, without delay, began; Said he (as o'er her person now he ran), This part umbilical will make the mare A noble breast, and strength at once declare: Then further on the pastor placed his hand, While, with the other, (as a magick wand,) He set about transforming mounts of snow; That in our climes a genial warmth bestow, And semi-globes are called, while those that rise In t'other hemisphere, of larger size, Are seldom mentioned, through respect no doubt, But these howe'er the parson, quite devout, |
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