The Fables of Jean de La Fontaine Translated into Verse

The Fables of Jean de La Fontaine Translated into Verse

A rat from town, a country rat Invited in the civilest way; For dinner there was just to be Ortolans and an entrement. Upon a Turkey carpet soft The noble feast at last was spread; I leave you pretty well to guess The merry, pleasant life they led. Gay the repast, for plenty reigned, Nothing was wanting to the fare; But hardly had it well begun Ere chance disturbed the friendly pair. A sudden racket at the door Alarmed them, and they made retreat; The city rat was not the last, His comrade followed fast and fleet. The noise soon over, they returned, As rats on such occasions do; "Come," said the liberal citizen, "And let us finish our ragout." "Not a crumb more," the rustic said; "Tomorrow you shall dine with me; Don't think me jealous of your state, Or all your royal luxury; But then I eat so quiet at home, And nothing dangerous is near; Good-bye, my friend, I have no love For pleasure when it's mixed with fear."

Jean La'Fontaine

Carlson Fables Collection

Hurst

1880

Translated into verse by Walter Thornbury
Illustrated by Gustave Doré

English

Verse

32

20-23