Fables of La Fontaine — Fables CXVII and CXVIII
THE SUN AND THE FROGS.
A Monarch's wedding gave his people up, The whole day long, to dances and the cup;
But Æsop found their doings in bad taste, And thought their joy decidedly misplaced.
"The Sun," said he, "once thought about a wife, And fancied he could shine in married life;
But instantly there came petitions loud From all the Frogs on earth--a noisy crowd.
'Suppose,' they said, 'the Queen should be prolific, Our situation will become terrific.
A single sun is quite enough to bear;
The little ones will drive us to despair.
Parched as we are, in sultry summer weather, The extra heat will roast us altogether.
Let us entreat your mercy on our race;
The river Styx is not a pleasant place!'
" Considering that Frogs are very small, I think the argument not bad at all.
FABLE CXVIII.
THE CARTER STUCK IN THE MUD.
A Phaeton, who drove a load of hay, Found himself in the mud stuck hard and fast: Poor man!
from all assistance far away.
(In Lower Brittany he had been cast, Near Quimper-Corentin, and all may know 'Tis there that Destiny sends folks she hates.
God keep us from such journey here below!
) But to return.
The Carter, in the mire, Rages and swears, and foams and execrates-- His eyes wild rolling, and his face on fire;
Curses the holes, the horses, every stone, [Illustration: THE CARTER STUCK IN THE MUD.
] The cart, and then himself.
The god he prays, Whose mighty labours through the world are known: "O Hercules!
send present aid," he says;
"If thy broad back once bore this mighty sphere, Thy arm can drag me out."
His prayer he ends.
Then came a voice from out a cloud quite near: "To those who strive themselves he succour lends.
Work, and find out where the obstruction lies;
Remove this bird-lime mud you curse so hot;
Clear axle-tree and wheel--be quick and wise;
Take up the pick, and break that flint--why not?
Fill up that yawning rut.
Now, is it done?"
"Yes," said the man; and then the voice replied, "Now I can help you; take your whip, my son."
"I've got it.
Hallo!
here; what's this?"
he cried;
"My cart goes nicely--praise to Hercules."
And then the voices--"You see how readily Your horses got clear out of jeopardy."
To those who help themselves the gods send help and ease.
