Fables of La Fontaine — Fables XCIX and C

FABLE XCIX

THE STAG AND THE VINE.

A Stag behind a lofty Vine took shelter (Such vines are met with in a southern clime);

Hunters and hounds pursued him helter-skelter, And searched and searched, but only lost their time.

The huntsmen laid, as might have been expected, Upon the shoulders of their dogs the blame, The Stag, forgetting he had been protected, Vastly ungrateful all at once became;

Upon the friendly Vine he made a dinner;

But hounds and hunters soon came back again.

[Illustration: THE STAG AND THE VINE.

] Discovered quickly--now the leaves were thinner-- The Stag, of course, got set upon and slain.

"I merit this!"

exclaimed the dying glutton;

"Ingratitude, like pride, must have a fall:" Another gasp, and he was dead as mutton;

And no one present pitied him at all.

How oft is hospitality rewarded By deeds ungrateful as the one recorded!

FABLE C.

THE LION GOING TO WAR.

Lion planned a foray on a foe;

Held a war-council; sent his heralds out To warn the Animals he'd strike a blow;

Soon all were ready to help slay and rout-- Each in his special way.

The Elephant, To bear upon his back the baggage and supplies, And right, as usual.

Then the Bear, to plant The flag upon the breach.

The Fox's eyes Brighten at thought of diplomatic guile.

The Monkey hopes to dupe with endless tricks.

"But send away the Asses," says, meanwhile, Some courtier, in whose mind the fancy sticks;

"They're only stupid.

Pack off, too, the Hares."

"No, not so," said the King; "I'll use them all: Our troop's imperfect, if they have no shares.

The Ass shall be our startling trumpet call;

The Hare is useful for our courier, mind."

Prudent and wise the King who knows the way For every subject fitting task to find.

Nothing is useless to the wise, they say.