Fables of La Fontaine — Fables LXXXI and LXXXII

THE HORSE WISHING TO BE REVENGED ON THE STAG.

Horses were once as free as air, When man on acorns lived content.

Ass, horse, and mule unfettered went Through field and forest, anywhere, Without a thought of toil and care.

Nor saw one then, as in this age, Saddles and pillions every stage, Harness for march, and work, and battle, Or chaises drawn by hungry cattle.

Nor were there then so many marriages, Nor feasts that need a host of carriages.

'Twas at this time there was a keen dispute Between a Stag who quarrelled with a Horse, Unable to run down the nimble brute: To kindly Man he came, for aid, of course;

Man bridled him and leaped upon his back, Nor rested till the Stag was caught and slain.

The Horse thanked heartily the Man, good lack: "Adieu, yours truly, I'll trot off again, Home to the wild wood and the breezy plain."

"Not quite so fast," the smiling Man replied, "I know too well your use, you must remain;

I'll treat you well, yes, very well," he cried: "Up to your ears the provender shall be, And you shall feed in ease and luxury."

Alas!

what's food without one's liberty?

The Horse his folly soon perceived;

But far too late the creature grieved.

His stable was all ready near the spot, And there, with halter round his neck, he died, Wiser had he his injuries forgot.

Revenge is sweet to injured pride;

But it is bought too dear, if bought With that without which all things else are nought.

[Illustration] FABLE LXXXII.

THE FOX AND THE BUST.

The great too often wear the actor's mask;

The vulgar worshippers the show beguiles;

The ass looks on the surface; 'tis the task Of the wise Fox to go far deeper; full of wiles, He pries on every side, and turns, and peeps, And watches--Reynard never sleeps.

And when he finds in many a place The great man nothing but a pompous face, Repeats, what once he subtly said Unto a hero's plaster head--- A hollow bust, and of enormous size-- Praising it with contemptuous eyes, "Fine head," said he, "but without brains."

The saving's worth the listener's pains;

To many a noble lord the <i>mot</i> applies.

[Illustration] [Illustration: THE HORSE AND THE WOLF.

] [Illustration] FABLE LXXXIII.