This page needs to be proofread.
2 THE FABLES OF LA FONTAINE. A louder voice than mine must tell in song What virtues to thy kingly line belong. I seek thine ear to gain by lighter themes, Slight pictures, decked in magic nature's beams ; And if to please thee shall not be my pride, I '11 gain at least the praise of having tried. Who hence shall count his conquests by his days. And gather from the proudest hps his praise.