Tales and Novels of J. de La Fontaine — Complete. Jean de la Fontaine

victorious, (or believe it so,)

      Exclaim'd, if either of you wish to show

      Who's in the right, with argument have done,

      And let us practise some new scheme of fun,

      To dupe our husbands; she who don't succeed

      Shall pay a forfeit; all replied, “Agreed.”

      But then, continued she, we ought to take

      An oath, that we will full discov'ry make,

      To one another of the various facts,

      Without disguising even trifling acts.

      And then, good upright Macae shall decide;

      Thus things arrang'd, the ladies homeward plied.

      Original

      SHE, 'mong the three, who felt the most constraint

      Ador'd a youth, contemporaries paint,

      Well made and handsome, but with beardless chin,

      Which led the pair a project to begin;

      For yet no opportunity they'd found,

      T' enjoy their wishes, save by stealth around;

      Most ardently she sought to be at ease,

      And 'twas agreed the lucky thought to seize

      That like a chambermaid he should be dress'd,

      And then proceed to execute the jest,

      Attend upon the wily, wedded pair,

      And offer services with modest air

      And downcast eyes; the husband on her leer'd,

      And in her favour prepossess'd appear'd,

      In hopes one day, to find those pleasing charms

      Resign'd in secret to his longing arms.

      Such pretty cheeks and sparkling eyes he thought,

      Had ne'er till then his roving fancy caught;

      The girl was hir'd, but seemingly with pain,

      Since PRUDENCE ultimately might complain,

      That (maid and master both so very young)

      'Twould not be wonderful if things went wrong.

      AT first the husband inattention show'd,

      And scarcely on the maid a look bestow'd;

      But presently he chang'd his conduct quite,

      And presents gave, with promises not slight;

      At length the servant feign'd to lend an ear,

      And anxious seem'd obliging to appear.

      THE trap our cunning lovers having laid,

      One eve this message brought the smiling maid;

      My lady, sir, is ill, and rest requires,

      To sleep alone to-night she much desires.

      To grant the master's wish the girl was led,

      And they together hurried off to bed.

      THE husband 'tween the sheets himself had plac'd;

      The nymph was in her petticoat, unlac'd;

      When suddenly appear'd the wily wife,

      And promis'd harmony was turn'd to strife.

      Are these your freaks, cried she with mark'd surprise;

      Your usual dish it seems then don't suffice;

      You want, indeed, to have some nicer fare?

      A little sooner, by the saints I swear,

      You'd me a pretty trick, 'tis clear, have shown,

      And doubtless, then, tit bits to keep been prone.

      This, howsoe'er, to get you're not design'd,

      So elsewhere you may try what you can find.

      And as to you, miss Prettyface, you jade,

      Good heav'ns! to think a paltry servant maid

      Should rival me? I'll beat you black and blue!

      The bread I eat, indeed, must be for you?

      But I know better, and indeed am clear,

      Not one around will fancy I appear

      So void of charms, so faded, wither'd, lost,

      That I should out of doors at once be tost;

      But I will manage matters:—I design

      This girl no other bed shall have than mine;

      Then who so bold to touch her there will dare?

      Come, Miss, let's to my room at once repair;

      Away—your things to-morrow you can seek;

      If scandal 'twould spread around, I'd wreak

      My vengeance instantly, and turn you out;

      But I am lenient, and desire no rout;

      Perhaps your ruin may be sav'd by care;

      So night and day your company I'll share;

      No more my bosom then will feel dismay,

      For I shall see that you no frolicks play.

      ON this the trembling girl, o'ercome with fears;

      Held down her head and seem'd to hide her tears;

      Pick'd up her clothes and quickly stole away,

      As if afraid her mistress more might say;

      And hop'd to act the maid while Sol gave light,

      But play at ease the fond gallant at night;

      At once she fill'd two places in the house,

      And thought in both the husband she should chouse,

      Who bless'd his stars that he'd escap'd so well,

      And sneak'd alone to rest within his cell,

      While our gay, am'rous pair advantage took,

      To play at will, and ev'ry solace hook,

      Convinc'd most thoroughly, once lovers kiss'd,

      That OPPORTUNITY should n'er be miss'd.

      Here ends the trick our wily gossip play'd;

      But now let's see the plot another laid.

      Original

      THE second dame, whose husband was so meek,

      That only from her lips the truth he'd seek,

      When seated with him 'neath a pear tree's shade,

      Contriv'd at ease and her arrangement made.

      The story I shall presently relate;

      The butler, strong, well dress'd, and full of prate:

      Who