PART II
FRENCH FABLES
A WOODMAN poor, all covered with his load,
Beneath the weight of Faggots and of Years,
Groaning and bent, his double burden bears
Towards the misery of his mean Abode.
At length outworn with utmost weariness,
He lays him down; he dreams o'er his distress;
What pleasure has he had since life began?
Is there another such a wretched Man?
Sometimes no bread, and never perfect rest.
Crushed by home cares, by taxes sore oppressed.
By debt, the Soldiers and the toil enforced;[1]
He deems his lot of mortal lots the worst.
He calls on Death. She comes without delay.
"You summoned me," she cries; "What is't you lack?"
"Only to help me lift upon my back
This burden here," he says, "nor longer stay."
- ↑ Labor imposed as a tax.
(La Fontaine, Fables, Vol. I, No. 16. Translated by Paul Hookham.)
ONCE Goodman Fox with great benevolence
Asked Gossip Stork to dine at his expense.
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