Page:Fables by La Fontaine translated by Elizur Wright.djvu/86

 1 8 THE FABLES OF LA FONTAINE. But i.o his forest glen alone, Apart from human trace, A watercourse Of purest source, While with unconscious gaze He pierced its waveless face, Reflected back his own. Incensed with mingled rage and fright, He seeks to shun the odious sight ; But yet that mirror sheet, so clear and still, He cannot leave, do what he will. Ere this, my story's drift you plainly see. From such mistake there is no mortal free. That obstinate self-lover The human soul doth cover ; The mirror's follies are of others, In which, as all are genuine brothers. Each soul may see to life depicted Itself with just such faults afflicted ; And by that charming placid brook. Needless to say, I mean your Maxim Book.