Tales and Novels of J. de La Fontaine | Page 3

making an impression on the mind, it is by no means the gaiety of these Tales; it passes off lightly; I should rather fear a tranquil melancholy, into which the most chaste and modest novels are very capable of plunging us, and which is a great preparation for love. As to the second objection, by which people reproach me that this book does wrong to womankind, they would be right if I were speaking seriously: but who does not see that this is all in jest, and consequently cannot injure? We must not be afraid on that account that marriages in the future will be less frequent, and husbands more on their guard. It may still be objected that these Tales are unfounded or that they have everywhere a foundation easy to destroy; in short that they are absurdities and have not the least tinge of probability. I reply in a few words that I have my authorities: and besides it is neither truth nor probability which makes the beauty and the charm of these Tales: it is only the manner of telling them. These are the principal points on which I have thought it necessary to defend myself. I abandon the rest to the censors; the more so as it would be an infinite undertaking to pretend to reply to all. Criticism never stops short nor ever wants for subjects on which to exercise itself: even if those I am able to foresee were taken from it, it would soon have discovered others.
TALES AND NOVELS
OF
J. DE LA FONTAINE
.......
JOCONDE
IN Lombardy's fair land, in days of yore,?Once dwelt a prince, of youthful charms, a store; Each FAIR, with anxious look, his favours sought, And ev'ry heart within his net was caught.?Quite proud of beauteous form and smart address,?In which the world was led to acquiesce,?He cried one day, while ALL attention paid,?I'll bet a million, Nature never made?Beneath the sun, another man like me,?Whose symmetry with mine can well agree.?If such exist, and here will come, I swear?I'll show him ev'ry lib'ral princely care.
A noble Roman, who the challenge heard,?This answer gave the king his soul preferr'd?--Great prince, if you would see a handsome man,?To have my brother here should be your plan;?A frame more perfect Nature never gave;?But this to prove, your courtly dames I crave;?May judge the fact, when I'm convinc'd they'll find: Like you, the youth will please all womankind;?And since so many sweets at once may cloy,?'Twere well to have a partner in your joy.
THE king, surpris'd, expressed a wish to view?This brother, form'd by lines so very true;?We'll see, said he, if here his charms divine?Attract the heart of ev'ry nymph, like mine;?And should success attend our am'rous lord,?To you, my friend, full credit we'll accord.
AWAY the Roman flew, Joconde to get,?(So nam'd was he in whom these features met;)?'Midst woods and lawns, retir'd from city strife, And lately wedded to a beauteous wife;?If bless'd, I know not; but with such a fair,?On him must rest the folly to despair.
THE Roman courtier came, his business told?The brilliant offers from the monarch bold;?His mission had success, but still the youth?Distraction felt, which 'gan to shake his truth;?A pow'rful monarch's favour there he view'd;?A partner here, with melting tears bedew'd;?And while he wavered on the painful choice,?She thus address'd her spouse with plaintive voice:
CAN you, Joconde, so truly cruel prove,?To quit my fervent love in courts to move??The promises of kings are airy dreams,?And scarcely last beyond the day's extremes?By watchful, anxious care alone retain'd,?And lost, through mere caprice, as soon as gain'd. If weary of my charms, alas! you feel,?Still think, my love, what joys these woods conceal; Here dwell around tranquillity and ease;?The streams' soft murmurs, and the balmy breeze,?Invite to sleep; these vales where breathe the doves, All, all, my dear Joconde, renew our loves;?You laugh!--Ah! cruel, go, expose thy charms,?Grim death will quickly spare me these alarms!
JOCONDE'S reply our records ne'er relate,?Nor what he did, nor how he left his mate;?And since contemp'raries decline the task;?'Twere folly, such details of me to