Fables of La Fontaine — Fables XCI and XCII

FABLE XCI.

THE FOX WITH HIS TAIL CUT OFF.

A sly old Fox, a foe of Geese and Rabbits, Was taken captive in a trap one day (Just recompense of predatory habits), And lost his tail before he got away.

He felt ashamed at such a mutilation;

But, cunning as before, proposed a way To gain companions in his degradation;

And spoke as follows, on a council-day:-- "Dear brother Foxes, what can be the beauty Or use of things so cumbrous and absurd?

They only sweep the mud up.

It's your duty To cut them off--it is, upon my word!"

"Not bad advice: there <i>may</i> be wisdom in it," Remarked a sage, "but will you, by-the-by, Oblige us all by turning round a minute, Before we give a positive reply?"

You never heard such hurricanes of laughter As hailed the cropped appearance of the rogue.

Of course, among the Foxes, ever after, Long tails continued very much in vogue.

[Illustration] [Illustration] FABLE XCII.

THE SATYR AND THE PASSER-BY.

A savage Satyr and his brood Once took their lodgings and their food Within a cavern deep and drear, Which only very few came near.

The Satyr, with his sons and wife, Led quite an unpretending life: Good appetite supplies the place Of luxuries in such a case.

A Traveller, who passed that way, Entered the cave one rainy day;

The Satyr proved a friend in need.

By asking him to stop and feed.

The other, as 'twas pouring still, Of course, accepted with a will: And warmed his fingers with his breath, For he was frozen half to death: Upon the soup then breathed a bit (The surest way of cooling it);

Meanwhile, his host in wonder sat, And asked, "Pray, what's the good of that?"

"Breath cools my soup," his guest replied, "And makes my fingers warm beside."

The Satyr answered, with a sneer, "Then, we can do without you here.

"Beneath my roof you shall not sleep;

I scorn such company to keep.

All people in contempt I hold, Who first blow hot, and then blow cold!"

[Illustration: THE DOCTORS.

] [Illustration] FABLE XCIII.