Jean de La Fontaine

25 Fables

- « Sire », said the fox, « that you are one

Fine king, too fine and scrupulous, is clear.

So eating sheep, those fools that blink and stare,

Is now a sin ? By gobbling them up,

My lord, you more than honour them ;

As for the shepherd, let us say

That he was better off as prey,

Being one of those who dream they have dominion

Over your impressive animal kingdom. »

Thus spoke the fox to flatterers' applause.

One didn't want to delve too deep

Into the tiger's, bear's, or those with claws'

Least pardonable offenses.

These quarrelsome folk, down to the simplest cur,

Were, if you took their word, all perfect saints.

Animals Sick from the Plague