Fables of La Fontaine — Fables CIII and CIV

THE SHEPHERD AND THE LION.

Fables are sometimes more than they appear: A crude, bare moral wearies some, I fear.

The simplest animal to truth may lead;

The story and the precept make one heed: They pass together better than apart: To please, and yet instruct, that is the art.

To write for writing's sake seems poor to me;

And for this reason, more especially-- Numbers of famous men, from time to time, Have written fables in laconic rhyme, Shunning all ornament and verbose length, Wasting no word, unless to gain in strength.

Phædrus was so succinct, some men found fault;

Curt Æsop was far readier still to halt.

But, above all, a Greek[1] did most excel, Who in four verses told what he would tell.

If he succeeded, let the experts say;

Let's match him now with Æsop, by the way.

A Shepherd and a Hunter they will bring: I give the point and ending as they sing, Embroidering here and there, as on I go;-- Thus Æsop told the story, you must know.

A Shepherd, finding in his flocks some gaps, Thought he might catch the robber in his traps, And round a cave drew close his netted toils, Fearing the Wolves, and their unceasing spoils.

"Grant, king of gods, before I leave the place," He cried, "grant me to see the brigand's face.

Let me but watch him rolling in the net.

That is the dearest pleasure I could get!"

Then from a score of calves he chose the beast, The fattest, for the sacrificial feast.

That moment stepped a Lion from the cave;

The Shepherd, prostrate, all intent to save His petty life, exclaimed, "How little we Know what we ask!

If I could only see Safe in my snares, that caused me so much grief, The helpless, panting, miserable thief, Great Jove!

a Calf I promised to thy fane: An Ox I'd make it, were I free again."

Thus wrote our leading author of his race;

Now for the imitator, in his place.

[1] Gabrias.

FABLE CIV.

THE LION AND THE HUNTER.

A Braggart, lover of the chase, Losing a dog, of noble race, Fearing 'twas in a Lion's maw, Asked the first shepherd that he saw If he would kindly show him where The robber had his favourite lair;

That he might teach him, at first sight, The difference between wrong and right.

The shepherd said, "Near yonder peak You'll find the gentleman you seek.

A sheep a month, that is the fee I pay for ease and liberty.

I wander where I like, you see."

And, while he spoke, the Lion ran And put to flight the bragging man.

"O Jupiter!"

he cried, "befriend, And some safe refuge quickly send!"

The proof of courage, understand, Is shown when danger is at hand.

Some, when the danger comes, 'tis known, Will very quickly change their tone.

FABLE CV.