Tales and Novels of J. de La Fontaine — Complete. Jean de la Fontaine

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      So many conquests proud of having made,

      And over full the BOOK of—those who'd play'd;

      Said gay Astolphus we will now, my friend,

      Return the shortest road and poaching end;

      If false our mates, yet we'll console ourselves,

      That many others have inconstant elves.

      Perhaps, in things a change will be one day,

      And only tender flames LOVE'S torch display;

      But now it seems some evil star presides,

      And Hymen's flock the devil surely rides.

      Besides, vile fiends the universe pervade,

      Whose constant aim is mortals to degrade,

      And cheat us to our noses if they can,

      (Hell's imps in human shape, disgrace to man!)

      Perhaps these wretches have bewitch'd our wives,

      And made us fancy errors in their lives.

      Then let us like good citizens, our days

      In future pass amidst domestick ways;

      Our absence may indeed restore their hearts,

      For jealousy oft virtuous truths imparts.

      IN this Astolphus certainly believ'd;

      The friends return'd, and kindly were receiv'd;

      A little scolding first assail'd the ear;

      But blissful kisses banish'd ev'ry fear.

      To balls and banquets ALL themselves resigned;

      Of dwarf or valet nothing more we find;

      Each with his wife contentedly remained:—

      'Tis thus alone true happiness is gained.

THE CUDGELLED AND

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      SOME time ago from Rome, in smart array,

      A younger brother homeward bent his way,

      Not much improved, as frequently the case

      With those who travel to that famous place.

      Upon the road oft finding, where he stayed,

      Delightful wines, and handsome belle or maid,

      With careless ease he loitered up and down.—

      One day there passed him in a country town,

      Attended by a page, a lady fair,

      Whose charming form and all-engaging air,

      At once his bosom fired with fond desire;

      And nearer still, her beauties to admire.

      He most gallantly saw her safely home;

      Attentions charm the sex where'er we roam.

      OUR thoughtless rambler pleasures always sought:

      From Rome this spark had num'rous pardons brought;

      But—as to virtues (this too oft we find),

      He'd left them—with his HOLINESS behind!

      THE lady was, by ev'ry one, confessed,

      Of beauty, youth, and elegance possessed;

      She wanted naught to form her bliss below,

      But one whose love would ever fondly flow.

      INDEED so fickle proved this giddy youth,

      That nothing long would please his heart or tooth;

      Howe'er he earnestly inquired her name,

      And ev'ry other circumstance the same.

      She's lady, they replied, to great 'squire Good,

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