Tales and Novels of J. de La Fontaine — Volume 05 by Jean de La Fontaine
page 20 of 30 (66%)
page 20 of 30 (66%)
![]() | ![]() |
|
THE host one evening from the mansion went;
A friend he left himself to represent, And with the charming fair supply his place, Which, in the dark he thought, with easy grace, Might be effected, if he held his tongue, And properly behaved the whole night long. To this the other willingly agreed; (What friend would be refused, if thus in need?) And this new-comer had complete success He scarcely could his ecstacy express. THE dame exclaimed:--pray how could he pretend; To treat me so, and leave me to a friend? The other thought the host was much to blame; But since 'tis o'er, said he, be now your aim, To punish his contempt of beauteous charms; With favours load me--take me to your arms; Caress with fond embrace; bestow delight; And seem to love me, though in mere despite. SHE followed his advice: avenged the wrong; And naught omitted, pleasures to prolong. If he obtained his wishes from the fair, The host about it scarcely seemed to care. THE sixth adventure of our charming belle, Some writers one way, some another tell; Whence many think that favour I have shown, And for her, one gallant the less would own. Mere scandal this; from truth I would nor swerve, |
|