The Complete Fables of Jean de la Fontaine"The English-speaking reader will typically find selections of translated fables by La Fontaine (1621-1695), and a large number of those stray rather far from the original in an effort to retain the poetic flavor of the genre. Other translations, treating the fables as reading matter for followers of Winnie the Pooh, do not retain the subtle overtones and wit intended, in fact, for educated adults. This translation remains extraordinarily faithful to the original not only in metrical patterns and rhyme schemes but also in tone: wit and le mot juste are skillfully and wonderfully combined. This is no small achievement, and we can now enjoy the grace, wit, and versatility of an author whose literary qualities were, until now, evident only in the original."-- Danielle Mihram, New York University Library. |
From inside the book
Results 1-3 of 38
Page 63
... Bird Wounded by an Arrow Wounded mortally by an arrow's feathered shot , A Bird was lamenting his sad , wretched lot And saying , while still in the throes of his pain , " Must I be destined to add to my sorrow again ? Fierce men , our ...
... Bird Wounded by an Arrow Wounded mortally by an arrow's feathered shot , A Bird was lamenting his sad , wretched lot And saying , while still in the throes of his pain , " Must I be destined to add to my sorrow again ? Fierce men , our ...
Page 67
... bird , without even deigning to make a reply , Struck Beetle with wing on the fly , Stunned him , brought his plea to an end , 5 10 15 Carried Jack Rabbit away . The outraged Insect Flew to the nest of the bird and , while she was away ...
... bird , without even deigning to make a reply , Struck Beetle with wing on the fly , Stunned him , brought his plea to an end , 5 10 15 Carried Jack Rabbit away . The outraged Insect Flew to the nest of the bird and , while she was away ...
Page 629
... bird of prey . Perennial proprietor of the same nest , a Kite Was caught by a Hunter at the site . To present it to the Prince was this fellow's vision : The bag's rarity made the gift a prize decision . If this tale is not an invention ...
... bird of prey . Perennial proprietor of the same nest , a Kite Was caught by a Hunter at the site . To present it to the Prince was this fellow's vision : The bag's rarity made the gift a prize decision . If this tale is not an invention ...
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Common terms and phrases
animal autre avait beast beau better bien C'est cause cent Chien chose coup court d'une dans deux Dieux dire dit-il encor enfin et le eyes fable faire fait fate faut folks Fortune gens give grand hand head homme J'ai jamais jour Jupiter kind king l'autre l'homme l'on L'un leur Lion live look Loup maître master mieux mind mort n'en n'est never nous once pass peine petits peut poor prend qu'il qu'on qu'un que le raison Renard rien s'en s'il sage sans seul soon sort tell temps tête thing thought took tout turn vient voilà voir vous Wolf