 |
 |
 |
|
 |
Tales and Novels of J. de La Fontaine — Volume 21 by La Fontaine, Jean de, 1621-1695
|
A word from our supporters: File extension DEC | This eBook was produced by David Widger OF J. DE LA FONTAINE The Spectacles The Bucking Tub The Impossible Thing THE SPECTACLESSo oft their freaks have in my page been shown. The subject may at length fatigue the mind; My Muse the veil howe'er is still inclined, Conspicuously to hold to publick view, And, 'mong the sisters, scene and scene pursue. Is this too much?--the nicest tricks they play; Through soft amours oft artfully they stray, And these in full I'd readily detail, If I were sure the subject would not fail; And that's impossible I must admit, 'Twould endless be, the tales appear so fit; There's not a clerk so expeditious found, Who could record the stories known around. The sisters to forget, were I to try, Suspicions might arise that, by and by, I should return: some case might tempt my pen; So oft I've overrun the convent-den, Like one who always makes, from time to time, The conversation with his feelings chime. But let us to an end the subject bring, And after this, of other matters sing. Among the nuns, and like a maiden clad; A charming girl by all he was believed; Fifteen his age; no doubts were then conceived; Coletta was the name the youth had brought, And, till he got a beard, was sister thought. And from it Agnes profit had enjoyed; What profit?--truly better had I said, That sister Agnes by him was misled, And store of ills received; misfortune dire Obliged the nun more girdle to require, And ultimately to produce (in spite Of ev'ry wish to guard the fact from light) A little creature that our hist'ries say, Was found Coletta's features to display. How could this child arrive?--the sisters 'gan To laugh and ask, if in an evil hour, The mushroom could have fallen with a show'r? Or self-created was it not supposed? Much rage the abbess presently disclosed; To have her holy mansion thus disgraced! Forthwith the culprit was in prison placed. How could he enter, pass, escape, or hide; The walls were high; the grate was double too; Quite small the turning-box appeared to view, And she who managed it was very old:-- Perhaps some youthful spark has been so bold, Cried she who was superior to the rest, To get admitted, like a maiden dressed, And 'mong our flock (if rightly I surmise) A wicked wolf is lurking in disguise. Undress, I say, I'll verify the fact; No other way remains for me to act. Each plan was dissipated with a breath; The more he thought of means from thence to get, The greater were the obstacles he met. At length NECESSITY (the parent found Of stratagems and wiles, so much renowned,) Induced the youth . . . (I scarcely can proceed) To tie . . . expression here I clearly need; What word will decently express the thought? What book has got it?--where should it be sought? You've heard, in days of yore that human kind, With windows in their bosoms were designed, Through which 'twas easy all within to see, And suited those of medical degree. |