Tales and Novels of J. de La Fontaine — Volume 05 by Jean de La Fontaine
page 13 of 30 (43%)
page 13 of 30 (43%)
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If she would Hispal's services retain,
'Twere right the youth with promises to feed, While his assistance she so much must need: As soon as he was ready to depart She pressed him fondly to her glowing heart, And charged him with a letter to the king; This Hispal hastened to the prince to bring; Each sail he crowded:--plied with ev'ry oar; A wind quite fair soon brought him to shore; To court he went, where all with eager eyes, Demanded if he lived, amid surprise, And where he left the princess; what her state? These questions answered, Hispal, quite elate, Procured the escort, which, without delay, Though leaving him behind, was sent away: No dark mistrust retained the noble youth; But Zarus wished it: such appeared the truth. BY one of early years the troop was led, A handsome lad, and elegantly bred. He landed with his party near the park. And these in two divided ere 'twas dark. ONE half he left a guard upon the shore, And with the other hastened to the door, Where dwelled the belle, who daily fairer grew: Our chief was smitten instantly at view; And, fearing opportunity again, Like this, perhaps, he never might obtain, Avowed at once his passion to the fair; |
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