Page:Fables by La Fontaine translated by Elizur Wright.djvu/100

30     THE FABLES OF LA FONTAINE. To whom the urchin cried, 'Save, or I'm drowned!' The master, turning gravely at the sound, Thought proper for a while to stand aloof, And give the boy some seasonable reproof.

'You little wretch! this comes of foolish playing, Commands and precepts disobeying. A naughty rogue, no doubt, you are, Who thus requite your parents' care. Alas ! their lot I pity much, Whom fate condemns to watch o'er such.' This having coolly said, and more, He pulled the drowning lad ashore. This story hits more marks than you suppose. All critics, pedants, men of endless prose,— Three sorts, so richly blessed with progeny, The house is blessed that doth not lodge any,— May in it see themselves from head to toes. No matter what the task, Their precious tongues must teach; Their help in need you ask, You first must hear them preach.