Fables of La Fontaine — Fables CIX and CX
FABLE CIX.
THE COCKEREL, THE CAT, AND THE LITTLE RAT.
A Rat, so very young that it had seen Nothing at all, was at his setting out Almost snapped up; and what his fears had been He told his mother.
Thus it came about-- "I crossed the mountains bordering our land, Bold as a Rat that has his way to make;
When two great animals, you understand, Before my eyes, their way towards me take.
The one was gentle, tender, and so mild;
The other restless, wild, and turbulent;
A screeching voice, some flesh upon its head, A sort of arm, raised as for punishment.
His tail a plume, a fiery plume displayed (It was a capon that the creature drew Like a wild beast new come from Africa);
And with his arms he beat his sides, it's true, With such a frightful noise, that in dismay, E'en I, who pride myself on courage, ran And fled for fear, cursing the evil creature;
As, but for him, I should have found a plan To make acquaintance with that gentle nature-- So soft and sweet, and with a skin like ours;
Long tail, and spotted, with a face so meek;
And yet a glittering eye, of such strange powers: A sympathiser, sure as I can speak, With us the Rats, for he has just such ears.
I was about to make a little speech, When, all at once, as if to rouse my fears, The other creature gave a dreadful screech, And I took flight."
"My child," exclaimed the Rat, "That gentle hypocrite you liked so well, Was our malignant enemy--the Cat.
The other, on whose form so foul you fell, Is simply harmless, and will be our meal, Perhaps, some day; while, as for that meek beast, On us he dearly loves to leap and steal, And crunch and munch us for his cruel feast.
Take care, my child, in any case, Judge no one by their look or face."
FABLE CX.
THE FOX, THE MONKEY, AND THE OTHER ANIMALS.
The Animals (the Lion dead) Resolved to choose a King instead;
The crown was taken from its case-- A dragon guarded well the place.
They tried the crown, but, when they'd done, It would not fit a single one.
Some heads too large, and some too small;
Many had horns,--defects in all.
The Monkey, laughing, tried it, too, And got his mocking visage through, With many wild, fantastic faces;
And twisting gambols and grimaces.
A hoop, at last, around his waist He wore it, and they cried, "Well placed!"
He was elected.
Each one paid Their homage to the King they'd made.
The Fox alone laments the choice, But chokes it down with flattering voice.
Paving his little compliments, To hide his secret sentiments.
"Sire," to the King, he said, "I've pleasure To tell you I have found a treasure;
A secret, but to me alone-- All treasures fall unto the throne."
The young King, eager at finance, Ran fast himself, to catch the chance.
It was a trap, and he was caught.
The Fox said, when his aid he sought, "You think to govern us and rule;
You cannot save yourself, you fool!"
They turned him out, and, with some wit, Agreed that few a crown will fit.
FABLE CXI.
