Fables of La Fontaine — Fables LXXIII and LXXIV

MAN AND THE WOODEN IDOL.

A certain Pagan had a god of wood-- Deaf was the idol, yet had ears enough;

The Pagan promised to himself much good.

It cost as much as three men; for his fears Induced repeated vows and offerings;

Fat oxen crowned with garlands and such things.

Never an idol--think of that-- Boasted of victims half as fat.

Yet all this worship brought no grace, Treasure or legacy, or luck at play;

What's more, if any single storm came near the place, This man was sure to have to pay;

Yet all the time the god dined well.

Now, was this fair?

At last, impatient at the costly care, He takes a crowbar, and the Idol smashes (Crashes).

Forth comes a stream of gold.

"I feasted you with offerings manifold, And you were never worth an obolus to me;

Now leave," he said, "my hospitality, Seek out another altar.

I hold thee One of those gross and stupid creatures With wicked and untoward natures Whose gratitude can never grow;

But after many a heavy blow, The more I gave the less I got; I own It's very well I changed my tone."

[Illustration] [Illustration] FABLE LXXIV.

THE JAY DRESSED IN PEACOCK'S PLUMES.

A Peacock having moulted, the sly Jay Put on the thrown-off plumage with delight;

Amongst some other Peacocks found his way, And thought himself a fascinating sight.

At last the would-be beau got recognised, A charlatan, in borrowed plumes equipt-- And laughed at, scouted, hustled, and despised, Of all his second-hand attire got stript;

Returning to his friends, abashed and poor, They most politely showed him to the door.

Two-footed Jays are anything but rare, Who live on facts and fancies not their own;

But these are, luckily, not my affair, So let me leave the plagiarists alone.

[Illustration: THE LITTLE FISH AND THE FISHERMAN.

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