The Quid Pro Quo and Other

Jean de La Fontaine

thg 9 2020 · Library of Alexandria

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FAMED Paris ne’er within its walls had got, Such magick charms as were Aminta’s lot, Youth, beauty, temper, fortune, she possessed, And all that should a husband render blessed, The mother still retained her ‘neath the wing; Her father’s riches well might lovers bring; Whate’er his daughter wished, he would provide, Amusements, jewels, dress, and much beside.

BLITHE Damon for her having felt the dart, The belle received the offer of his heart; So well he managed and expressed his flame.

That soon her lord and master he became, By Hymen’s right divine, you may conceive, And nothing short of it you should believe.

A YEAR had passed, and still our charming pair, Were always pleased, and blisses seemed to share; (The honeymoon appeared but just began) And hopes were entertained to have a son, When Damon on the subject chanced to touch: In truth, said he, my soul is troubled much; There is a fact, my dear, to you I’ll tell: I wish sincerely (since I love so well) That for another, I had never known Such fond affection as to you I’ve shown; And none but you had entered in my breast, So worthy ev’ry way to be caressed.

I have howe’er experienced other flame; The fault’s acknowledged: I confess my shame.

‘Twas in a wood; the nymph was young and nice, And Cupid only near to give advice; So well he managed:—or so ill, you’ll say; A little girl I’ve living at this day.

WHAT, cried Aminta, now to you I’ll state; What happened once to be your spouse’s fate; I was at home alone, to say the truth, When thither came by chance a sprightly youth.

The lad was handsome, with engaging mien; I felt his worth:—my nature is serene; In short so many things were our employ, I’ve still upon my hands a little boy.

THESE words no sooner had escaped the belle, Than Damon into jealous torments fell; With rage he left the room; and on his way, A large pack-saddle near his footsteps lay, Which on his back he put, then cried aloud, I’m saddled! see; round quickly came a crowd; The father, mother, all the servants ran; The neighbours too; the husband then began To state the circumstance that gave him pain; And fully all the folly to explain.

THE reader must not fail to keep in mind; Aminta’s parents were both rich and kind, And having only her to be their heir, The aged couple let the youthful pair, With all their train, within the house reside, And tranquilly the moments seemed to glide.