Fables of La Fontaine — Fables CCXXXIII and CCXXXIV
THE FOX, THE WOLF, AND THE HORSE.
A Fox, still young, though rather sly, Saw, first time in his life, a Horse.
Just then a stupid Wolf passed by, And Reynard saw a game, of course.
"Come, see this thing that's feeding near;
He's grand.
I view him with delight!
Is he more strong than us, my dear?
Think you with both of us he'd fight?"
Replied the Wolf, with laughter--"Now Draw me his portrait: then I'll tell."
The Fox said, "Could I write, or show On canvas all his beauties well, "Your pleasure would be great indeed.
But, come--what say you?
He may be Some easy prey, on whom we'll feed, By Fortune sent to you and me."
The Horse, still feeding on the plain, Scarce curious to see the pair, Planned flying with his might and main, For wolves have tricks that are unfair.
The sly Fox said, "Your servants, sir;
We wish to know your name."
The Horse Had brains; so said, "My shoemaker Has put it round my shoe, of course.
"Read, if you can.
There is my name."
The Fox had store of craft in need: He cried, "My parents were to blame;
They taught me not to write or read.
'Tis only mighty wolves who learn To read: they read things in a breath!"
Our flattered Wolf here made a turn;
But vanity cost him his teeth!
The clever Horse, as he drew near, Held high his hoof: his plan he saw.
It cost the reading Wolf most dear,-- Down came the hoof upon his jaw.
With broken bones, and bloody coat, Upon the ground the poor Wolf lay.
"Brother," the Fox said, "only note The truth that we've heard people say.
"With wisdom, what had been your case?
No pain would need to be discussed.
This Horse has stamped upon your face That 'unknown things wise men mistrust.'
" FABLE CCXXXIV.
THE LEAGUE OF THE RATS.
A Mouse, in very deadly fear Of an old Cat, that kept too near A certain passage, being wise And shrewd, went straight, without disguise, To ask a neighbour Rat, whose house Was close to that of Mister Mouse.
The Rat's domains, so fair and snug, Were under a large mansion dug.
This Rat a hundred times had sworn He feared no Cat that yet was born;
Both tooth and paw he held in scorn.
[Illustration: THE LEAGUE OF THE RATS.
] "Dame Mouse," the lying boaster cried, "<i>Ma foi!
</i> how can I, ma'am, decide Alone?
I cannot chase the Cat, But call and gather every Rat That's living near.
I have a trick;-- In fact, at nothing I will stick."
The Mouse, she curtsied humbly; then The Rat ran off to call his men, Unto the office, pantry named, Where many rats (not to be blamed) Were feasting at their host's expense, With very great magnificence.
He enters, troubled--out of breath.
"What have you done?
--you're pale as death," Says one.
"Pray, speak."
Says he, "Alas!
Friend Mouse is in a pretty pass, And needs immediate help from you.
Raminagrobis, in my view, Spreads dreadful carnage everywhere.
This Cat, this hideous monstrous Cat, If Mice are wanting, calls for Rat."
They all cry out, "'Tis true!
to arms!"
And some, they say, 'mid war's alarms, Shed tears; but no one stops behind: They all are of the self-same mind.
They pack up cheese in scrip and bag;
No single nibbler dares to lag.
With mind content, and spirit gay, It is to them a holiday.
The Cat, meanwhile, quite free from dread, Has gripped the Mouse by its wee head.
At charging pace the Rats, at last, Come; but the Cat still holds it fast, And, growling, faces the whole band.
At this grim sound the Rats, off hand, With prudence, make a swift retreat, Fearing their destiny to meet.
Each hurries to his humble hole, Nor seeks again the warrior's goal.
