Tales and Novels of J. de La Fontaine — Volume 05 by Jean de La Fontaine
page 15 of 30 (50%)
page 15 of 30 (50%)
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To fall upon the escort they'd contrived:
At length, a pirate suddenly arrived, Surprized the party left upon the shore, Destroyed the whole; then sought the house for more, And scaled the walls while darkness spread around. The pirate was Grifonio's second found, Who, in a trice, the noble mansion took, And joy gave place to grief in ev'ry look. THe Alexandrian swore and cursed his lot; The pirate soon the lady's story got, And, taking her aside, his share required Such impudence Alaciel's patience tired, Who, ev'ry thing refused with haughty air; Of this, howe'er, the robber was aware; In Venus' court no novice was he thought; To gain the princess anxiously he sought; Said he, you'd better take me as a friend; I'm more than pirate, and you'll comprehend, As you've obliged one dying swain to fast, You fast in turn, or you'll give way at last; 'Tis justice this demands: we sons of sea Know how to deal with those of each degree; Remember you will nothing have to eat, Till your surrender fully is complete. NO haggling, princess pray, my word receive; What could be done, her terror to relieve? Above all law is might:--'twill take its course; Entire submission is the last resource. |
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