Tales and Novels of J. de La Fontaine — Volume 20 by Jean de La Fontaine
page 2 of 16 (12%)
page 2 of 16 (12%)
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A very pleasant intercourse was kept;
Except the sin, again I must repeat, My sentiments on this will never meet The taste of him at Rome, who wine had swilled, Till, to the throat, he thoroughly was filled, And then exclaimed, is't not a sin to drink? Such conduct horrid ever I shall think; I wish to prove, e'en saints in fear should live; The truth is clear:--our faults may Heav'n forgive; If dread of punishment, from pow'rs divine, Had led this friar in the proper line, He never had the charming girl retained, Who, young and artless, would your heart have gained. HER name was Alibech, if I recollect; Too innocent, deceptions to detect. One day this lovely maiden having read, How certain pious, holy saints were led, The better to observe religious care, To seek retirement in some lorn repair, Where they, like Heav'nly Angels, moved around, Some here, some there, were in concealment found, Was quite delighted, strange as it may seem, And presently she formed the frantick scheme, Of imitating those her mind revered, And to her plan most rigidly adhered. WITH silent steps the innocent withdrew; To mothers, sisters,--none she bade adieu. Long time she walked through fields, and plain, and dale; |
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