Tales and Novels of J. de La Fontaine — Volume 05 eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 56 pages of information about Tales and Novels of J. de La Fontaine — Volume 05.

Tales and Novels of J. de La Fontaine — Volume 05 eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 56 pages of information about Tales and Novels of J. de La Fontaine — Volume 05.
since his pleasures seemed to be her doom;
          He bore her like a sparrow from the room: 
          But not content with such a charming fair,
          He took her diamonds, ornaments for hair,
          And those dear pledges ladies oft receive,
          When they a lover’s ardent flame believe. 
          Indeed, I’ve heard it hinted as a truth,
          (And very probable for such a youth,)
          That Hispal, while on board, his flame revealed;
          And what chagrin she felt was then concealed,
          The passage thinking an improper time,
          To shew a marked displeasure at his crime.

          Thepirate-chief who carried off his prey,
          Had short-lived joy, for, wishing to convey
          His charming captive from the ship with speed;
          One vessel chanced a little to recede,
          Although securely fastened by the crew,
          With grappling hooks, as usually they do,
          When quite intent to pass, young Hispal made
          A blow, that dead at once the ruffian laid;
          His head and shoulders, severed from the trunk;
          Fell in the sea, and to the bottom sunk,
          Abjuring Mahomet, and all the tribe
          Of idle prophets, Catholics proscribe;
          Erect the rest upon the legs remained;
          The very posture as before retained;
          This curious sight no doubt a laugh had raised,—­
          But in the moment, she, so lately praised,
          With dread Grifonio, fell beyond their view;
          To save her, straight the gallant Hispal flew. 
          The ships, for want of pilots at the helm,
          At random drifted over Neptune’s realm.

          Grimdeath the pirate forced to quit his slave;
          Buoyed up by clothes, she floated on the wave,
          ’Till Hispal succour lent, who saw ’twas vain
          To try with her the vessel to regain. 
          He could, with greater ease, the fair convey
          To certain rocks, and thither bent his way;
          Those rocks to sailors oft destruction proved,
          But now the couple saved, who thither moved: 
          ’Tis even said the jewels were not lost,
          But sweet Alaciel, howsoever tost,
          Preserved the caskets, which with strings were tied;
          And seizing these, the treasure drew aside.

          Ourswimmer on his back the princess bore;
          The rock attained; but hardships were not o’er;
          Misfortunes dire the noble pair pursued
          And famine, worst of ills, around was viewed. 
          No ship was near; the light soon passed away;
          The night the same; again appeared the day;
          No vessel hove in sight; no food to eat;
          Our couple’s wretchedness seemed now complete;
          Hope left them both, and, mutual passion moved,
          Their situation more tormenting proved.

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Tales and Novels of J. de La Fontaine — Volume 05 from Project Gutenberg. Public domain.