Page:Fables by La Fontaine translated by Elizur Wright.djvu/168

 BOOK IV. I. THE LION IN LOVE.^ TO MADEMOISELLE DE SEVIGN^.^ S^viGN^, type of every grace In female form and face, In your regardlessness of men, Can you show favour when The sportive fable craves your ear, And see, unmoved by fear, A lion's haughty heart Thrust through by Love's audacious dart? Strange conqueror, Love ! And happy he, And strangely privileged and free, Who only knows by story Him and his feats of glory ! If on this subject you are wont To think the simple truth too blunt, The fabulous may less affront ;