Library:The Wolf and the Lamb

by Jean de La Fontaine

Strength upon right with ease can trample,

As will appear by this example.

A gentle lamb to quench his thirst,

Came to a calm, transparent brook;

A hungry wolf, in hour accurst,

That spot for his adventures took;

"Rash creature!" cried he in a rage,

"To trouble thus the waters as they flow,

While I my thirst assuage;

I'll punish thee, insulting little foe!"

"I pray your majesty," the Lamb replied,

"Not to be angry, but observe the tide.

You stand above, and I below;

The water comes to me from you:

How can I trouble what you drink?"

"But I insist," he said, "you do:

And I remember, now I think,

A year ago you treated me with scorn."

"How could I? I was not then born,"

Replied the Lamb. "Perhaps," said Wolf--"agreed;

It was your brother then, who was so bold."

"I have no brother, sire, indeed."

"'Twas some one of you family I'm told,

For all of you dislike my breed,

Yourselves, your shepherds, and your curs;

But I'll have vengeance, my fine Sirs!"

He said, not caring with more words to meet him,

And bore the lamb into the wood to eat him

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