Fables of La Fontaine — Fables XIII and XIV

THE ROBBERS AND THE ASS.

Two Thieves were fighting for a prize, A Donkey newly stolen; sell or not to sell-- That was the question--bloody fists, black eyes: While they fought gallantly and well, A third thief happening to pass, Rode gaily off upon the ass.

The ass is some poor province it may be;

The thieves, that gracious potentate, or this, Austria, Turkey, or say Hungary;

Instead of two, I vow I've set down three (The world has almost had enough of this), And often neither will the province win: For third thief stepping in, 'Mid their debate and noisy fray, With the disputed donkey rides away.

[Illustration: THE ROBBERS AND THE ASS.

] FABLE XIV.

DEATH AND THE WOODCUTTER.

A poor Woodcutter, covered with his load, Bent down with boughs and with a weary age, Groaning and stooping, made his sorrowing stage To reach his smoky cabin; on the road, Worn out with toil and pain, he seeks relief By resting for a while, to brood on grief.

-- What pleasure has he had since he was born?

In this round world is there one more forlorn?

Sometimes no bread, and never, never rest.

Creditors, soldiers, taxes, children, wife, The corvée. Such a life!

The picture of a miserable man--look east or west.

He calls on Death--for Death calls everywhere-- Well,--Death is there.

He comes without delay, And asks the groaner if he needs his aid.

"Yes," said the Woodman, "help me in my trade.

Put up these faggots--then you need not stay."

Death is a cure for all, say I, But do not budge from where you are;

Better to suffer than to die, Is man's old motto, near and far.

[Illustration: DEATH AND THE WOODCUTTER.

] FABLE XV.