Tales and Novels of J. de La Fontaine — Volume 21 by Jean de La Fontaine
page 8 of 16 (50%)
page 8 of 16 (50%)
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Or giving notice what they meant to do:
How now! cried he:--why won't you take a view? Deceived you are; regard me well I pray; I'm not the silly fool you had to-day, Who woman hates, and scruples seeks to raise: Employ but me, and soon I'll gain your praise; I'll wonders execute; my strength appears; And; if I fail, at once cut off my ears. At certain pleasant play I'm clever found; But as to whips--I never was renowned. WHAT means the fellow? cried a toothless nun; What would he tell us? Hast thou nothing done? How!--Art thou not our brat-begetter?--speak; So much the worse:--on thee our rage we'll wreak, For him that's gone we'll make thee suffer now; Once arms in hand, we never will allow Such characters full punishment to miss; The play that we desire is THIS and THIS; Then whips and scourges round him 'gan to move, And not a little troublesome to prove The miller, writhing with the poignant smart, Cried loudly:--I'll exert my utmost art, Good ladies, to perform what is your due; The more he bawled, the faster lashes flew. This work so well the aged troop achieved, He long remembered what his skin received. WHILE thus the master chastisement had got; His mule was feeding on the verdant spot. |
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