item: #1 of 27
          id: 15946
      author: La Fontaine, Jean de
       title: The Original Fables of La Fontaine Rendered into English Prose by Fredk. Colin Tilney
        date: None
       words: 21395
      flesch: 85
     summary: All the mirrors wherein he saw himself reflected stand for the faults of other people, in which we really see our own faults though we hate to recognise them as such. Dare I present myself before other dogs?
    keywords: animals; book; cat; day; dogs; eyes; fact; footnote; fortune; fox; god; good; jupiter; life; love; man; master; men; new; people; place; reason; thought; time; way; wolf
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        item: #2 of 27
          id: 5275
      author: La Fontaine, Jean de
       title: Tales and Novels of J. de La Fontaine — Volume 01
        date: None
       words: 5469
      flesch: 70
     summary: JOCONDE with joy the king's proposal heard; On which the latter with his friend conferr'd; Said he, 'twere surely right to have a book, In which to place the names of those we hook, The whole arrang'd according to their rank, And I'll engage no page remains a blank, So many conquests proud of having made, And over full the BOOK of--those who'd play'd; Said gay Astolphus we will now, my friend, Return the shortest road and poaching end;
    keywords: care; day; fair; joconde; king; love; roman; tales; thought; wish
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        item: #3 of 27
          id: 5276
      author: La Fontaine, Jean de
       title: Tales and Novels of J. de La Fontaine — Volume 02
        date: None
       words: 2937
      flesch: 83
     summary: honourable ladies round, No doubt he many times has served the same; 'Tis such impostors characters defame. And then for hearing those of larger size, The husband-confessor prepared his ears:-- Said she, Good father, ('mid a flood of tears),
    keywords: garlick; husband; lady; lord; peasant; wife
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        item: #4 of 27
          id: 5277
      author: La Fontaine, Jean de
       title: Tales and Novels of J. de La Fontaine — Volume 03
        date: None
       words: 4665
      flesch: 78
     summary: ON this, the third with candour interfer'd; She thought that oft the god of love appear'd, Good husbands playfully to fret and vex, Sometimes to rally couples: then perplex; But warmer as the conversation grew, She, anxious that each disputant might view Herself victorious, (or believe it so,) Exclaim'd, if either of you wish to show Who's in the right, with argument have done, And let us practise some new scheme of fun, To dupe our husbands; she who don't succeed Shall pay a forfeit; all replied, Agreed. A LITTLE time, as if asleep, he lay Considering how to act, or what to say; Then rose, (his spouse believing not awake,) And softly treading, lest the room should shake; The pack-thread follow'd to the outer door, And thence concluded (what he might deplore,) That his dear partner from her faith would stray, And some gallant that night design'd to play The lover's part and draw the secret clue, When she would rise, and with him freaks pursue, While he (good husband!) quietly in bed Might sleep, not dreaming that his wife had fled.
    keywords: day; gallant; girl; husband; lady; muleteer; servant; wife
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        item: #5 of 27
          id: 5278
      author: La Fontaine, Jean de
       title: Tales and Novels of J. de La Fontaine — Volume 04
        date: None
       words: 3712
      flesch: 73
     summary: WHEN Gasperin returned, our crafty wight, Before the wife addressed her spouse at sight; Said he the cash I've to your lady paid, Not having (as I feared) required its aid; To save mistakes, pray cross it in your book; The lady, thunderstruck, with terror shook; Allowed the payment; 'twas a case too clear; On this she stopt, and Richard dropt his chin, Rejoiced to 'scape from such unwelcome din. BARTHOLOMEA, pleased with what had passed; No disposition showed to hold him fast; The downcast husband felt such poignant grief, With ills where age can scarcely hope relief, That soon he left this busy stage of life, And Pagamin the widow took to wife.
    keywords: day; ev'ry; gascon; husband; lady; twas; wife
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        item: #6 of 27
          id: 5279
      author: La Fontaine, Jean de
       title: Tales and Novels of J. de La Fontaine — Volume 05
        date: None
       words: 6101
      flesch: 75
     summary: THe Alexandrian swore and cursed his lot; The pirate soon the lady's story got, And, taking her aside, his share required Such impudence Alaciel's patience tired, Who, ev'ry thing refused with haughty air; Of this, howe'er, the robber was aware; In Venus' court no novice was he thought; To gain the princess anxiously he sought; Said he, you'd better take me as a friend; I'm more than pirate, and you'll comprehend, As you've obliged one dying swain to fast, You fast in turn, or you'll give way at last; 'Tis justice this demands: we sons of sea Know how to deal with those of each degree; Remember you will nothing have to eat, Till your surrender fully is complete. THIS compliment was followed by his sighs, And frank confession, both from tongue and eyes; Our lover far in little time could go; At length, he offered on her to bestow, His hand and heart, and ev'ry thing beside, Which custom sanctions when we seek a bride.
    keywords: alaciel; ev'ry; fair; hispal; length; love; pirate; princess; tis; twas
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        item: #7 of 27
          id: 5280
      author: La Fontaine, Jean de
       title: Tales and Novels of J. de La Fontaine — Volume 06
        date: None
       words: 3676
      flesch: 80
     summary: But Damon (such the husband's name), 'tis clear, Thought otherwise, as we shall make appear. Though charms she had, still Damon would remain, To her who had his heart a faithful swain:
    keywords: calista; cup; damon; husband; time; tis; wife
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        item: #8 of 27
          id: 5281
      author: La Fontaine, Jean de
       title: Tales and Novels of J. de La Fontaine — Volume 07
        date: None
       words: 6351
      flesch: 78
     summary: Such things he never would to me propose; Not e'en a monarch would the like disclose; I'm 'bove temptation, presents would not do:-- Not Plutus' stores, if offered to my view; A paltry pilgrim to presume indeed, To think that I would such a blackguard heed, Ambassadress my rank! His fondness into fervent friendship grew; As such gay Atis visited anew; He often came, but Argia was sincere, And firmly to her vow would now adhere: Old Anselm too, had sworn, by heav'n above; No more to be suspicious of his love;
    keywords: anselm; belle; dog; ev'ry; fair; judge; lady; love; pilgrim; tis; twas
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        item: #9 of 27
          id: 5282
      author: La Fontaine, Jean de
       title: The Tales and Novels, v9: Belphegor and Others
        date: None
       words: 3074
      flesch: 80
     summary: THE youth exerted ev'ry art to please; But all in vain: he only seemed to teaze: Whate'er he said, however nicely graced, Ill-humour, inexperience, or distaste, Induced the belle, unlearned in Cupid's book; To treat his passion with a froward look. TO MISS DE CHAMMELAY YOUR name with ev'ry pleasure here I place, The last effusions of my muse to grace.
    keywords: belphegor; demon; ev'ry; fair; honesta; matthew; wife
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        item: #10 of 27
          id: 5283
      author: La Fontaine, Jean de
       title: Tales and Novels of J. de La Fontaine — Volume 09
        date: None
       words: 3077
      flesch: 80
     summary: THE youth exerted ev'ry art to please; But all in vain: he only seemed to teaze: Whate'er he said, however nicely graced, Ill-humour, inexperience, or distaste, Induced the belle, unlearned in Cupid's book; To treat his passion with a froward look. TO MISS DE CHAMMELAY YOUR name with ev'ry pleasure here I place, The last effusions of my muse to grace.
    keywords: belphegor; demon; ev'ry; fair; honesta; matthew; wife
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        item: #11 of 27
          id: 5284
      author: La Fontaine, Jean de
       title: Tales and Novels of J. de La Fontaine — Volume 10
        date: None
       words: 945
      flesch: 86
     summary: I father Andrew want, the wight replied, Who's oft to Alice confessor and guide: With Andrew, cried the other, would you speak? SISTER JANE WHEN Sister Jane, who had produced a child, In prayer and penance all her hours beguiled Her sister-nuns around the lattice pressed; On which the abbess thus her flock addressed: Live like our sister Jane, and bid adieu To worldly cares:--have better things in view.
    keywords: alice; kiss; sister
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        item: #12 of 27
          id: 5285
      author: La Fontaine, Jean de
       title: Tales and Novels of J. de La Fontaine — Volume 11
        date: None
       words: 4269
      flesch: 77
     summary: Fifteen arrived, the sire with anxious care, Of NATURE'S works declaimed,--but not the FAIR: An age, when those, for solitude designed, Should be to scenes of seriousness confined, Nor joys of youth, nor soft ideas praised The flame soon spreads when Cupid's torch is raised. And when his eyes at length your charms beheld, His glowing breast with softest passion swelled; Superior lustre beamed at ev'ry view; No pleasures pleased: his soul was fixed on you.
    keywords: author; care; catella; fair; jack; minutolo; richard; tales; works
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        item: #13 of 27
          id: 5286
      author: La Fontaine, Jean de
       title: Tales and Novels of J. de La Fontaine — Volume 12
        date: None
       words: 3175
      flesch: 74
     summary: But naught to husbands, parents, friends, reveal; From ev'ry one the mysterious conceal. O parents, husbands! be advised by me; Constraint with wives or children won't agree; 'Tis then the god of love exerts his art, To find admittance to the throbbing heart.
    keywords: cradle; friar; holy; husband; tithe; wife
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        item: #14 of 27
          id: 5287
      author: La Fontaine, Jean de
       title: Tales and Novels of J. de La Fontaine — Volume 13
        date: None
       words: 2922
      flesch: 77
     summary: But should I lose, thenceforth I'll them address.-- Said Reynold, readily I acquiesce; My life I'd venture, should you to an inn, For, in the town, I've neither friend nor kin, TO their proposal Reynold soon agreed,
    keywords: ev'ry; fair; night; prayer; reynold; twas
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        item: #15 of 27
          id: 5288
      author: La Fontaine, Jean de
       title: Tales and Novels of J. de La Fontaine — Volume 14
        date: None
       words: 3705
      flesch: 77
     summary: A YOUTH of Lamporechio, gay and bold, One day this gard'ner met as I am told; And after conversation 'bout the place, Said, he should like nun's service to embrace, And that he wished sincerely to be hired: He'd gratis do whatever was required. Said Nuto (such we find the gard'ner's name), Believe me, friend, you will be much to blame; Some other service seek, I recommend; These convent-dames will ne'er their whimseys end.
    keywords: convent; daughter; day; hermit; mother; nuns; place; tis
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        item: #16 of 27
          id: 5289
      author: La Fontaine, Jean de
       title: Tales and Novels of J. de La Fontaine — Volume 15
        date: None
       words: 4415
      flesch: 74
     summary: TO Florence then returned a youth from France; Where he had studied,--more than complaisance: Well trained as any from that polished court; To Fortune's favours anxious to resort; Gallant and seeking ev'ry FAIR to please; Each house, road, alley, soon he knew at ease; The husbands, good or bad, their whims and years, With ev'ry thing that moved their hopes or fears; What sort of fuel best their females charmed; What spies were kept by those who felt alarmed; The if's, for's, to's, and ev'ry artful wile, That might in love a confidant beguile, Or nurse, or father-confessor, or dog; When passion prompts, few obstacles can clog. Don't think, said I, that either can deceive; I ev'ry thing shall hear, you may believe; Know, Nicia is a man, who well may say, He's trusted without measure ev'ry day.
    keywords: ev'ry; fair; husband; lady; nicia; painter; thing; tis
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        item: #17 of 27
          id: 5290
      author: La Fontaine, Jean de
       title: Tales and Novels of J. de La Fontaine — Volume 16
        date: None
       words: 4326
      flesch: 77
     summary: ONE night Camillus had a party met, Of youthful beaux and belles, a charming set, And, 'mong the rest, fair Constance was a guest; The evening passed in jollity and jest; For few to holy converse seemed inclined, And none for Methodists appeared designed: Not one, but Constance, deaf to wit was found, And, on her, raillery went briskly round. What use this eloquence, and what your aim? Such charms alone as your's could me inflame; Their pow'r is great, but fully I declare, I do not like advances from the FAIR.
    keywords: belle; camillus; constance; ev'ry; fair; flame; heart; love
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        item: #18 of 27
          id: 5291
      author: La Fontaine, Jean de
       title: Tales and Novels of J. de La Fontaine — Volume 17
        date: None
       words: 3366
      flesch: 78
     summary: BUT now, cried Alice, favour me I pray, And tell at once, without reserve, the way That you obtained such wit as you possess, And all particulars to me confess. A hundred secrets you retain at ease; Can one so greatly shock and you displease?-- You talk at random, Agnes, she replied; Now, would you for the remedy decide, Upon your word, if you were in my place?-- Yes, madam, said the nun, and think it grace; Still more I'd do, if necessary thought; Your health, by me, would ev'ry way be sought, And, if required by you to suffer this, Not one around would less appear remiss; Sincere affection for you I have shown, And my regard I'll ever proudly own.
    keywords: abbess; alice; antoinetta; ev'ry; fair; tis; wit
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        item: #19 of 27
          id: 5292
      author: La Fontaine, Jean de
       title: Tales and Novels of J. de La Fontaine — Volume 18
        date: None
       words: 4316
      flesch: 77
     summary: The parson much his penitent abused; Said he, with sensual views to be amused, Is such a sin, 'tis scarcely worse to steal; The sight is just the same as if you feel. Our penitent most humbly pardon sought; Said he, if e'er to life again I'm brought, No jealousy, suspicion's hateful bane, Shall ever enter my distracted brain.
    keywords: anne; care; devil; ev'ry; friar; howe'er; sight; thing; tis
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        item: #20 of 27
          id: 5293
      author: La Fontaine, Jean de
       title: Tales and Novels of J. de La Fontaine — Volume 19
        date: None
       words: 3881
      flesch: 77
     summary: What! said the abbess: pretty scandal here, When in the house of God such things appear; Ashamed to death you ought to be, no doubt, Who brought you thither?--such we always scout. Beneath their veils were beauteous sparkling eyes; The holy-water scarcely would suffice.
    keywords: abbess; doctor; ev'ry; eyes; rest; thought; tis
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        item: #21 of 27
          id: 5294
      author: La Fontaine, Jean de
       title: Tales and Novels of J. de La Fontaine — Volume 20
        date: None
       words: 3229
      flesch: 75
     summary: A SMILE her innocence from Rustick drew; Said he, in me you little learning view; But what I've got, I'll readily divide, And nothing from your senses try to hide. ON saying this, her garment off he took; Put on his spectacles to overlook; And parson John, without delay, began; Said he (as o'er her person now he ran), This part umbilical will make the mare A noble breast, and strength at once declare: Then further on the pastor placed his hand,
    keywords: ev'ry; hell; john; peter; rustick; tis
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        item: #22 of 27
          id: 5295
      author: La Fontaine, Jean de
       title: Tales and Novels of J. de La Fontaine — Volume 21
        date: None
       words: 3088
      flesch: 78
     summary: The bargain was, the lover should enjoy The belle he wished, and who had proved so coy. Said Satan, soon I'll make her lend an ear, In ev'ry thing more complaisant appear; But then, instead of what thou might'st expect, To be obedient and let me direct, The devil, having thus obliged a friend, He'll thy commands obey, thou may'st depend, The very moment; and within the hour Thy humble servant, who has got such pow'r, Will ask for others, which at once thou'lt find; Make no delay, for if thou art so blind, Thou comprehend'st, thy body and thy soul The lovely fair no longer shall control, But Satan then upon them both shall seize, And with them do-whatever he may please: 'Gainst this the spark had not a word to say; 'Twas pleasing to command, though not obey. LARGE sums his purse received;--the devil went just where commanded, and to Rome was sent, From whence his highness store of pardons got; No journey long, though distant was the spot, But ev'ry thing with magick ease arose, And all was soon accomplished that he chose.
    keywords: ev'ry; nuns; thou; thought; tub; view
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        item: #23 of 27
          id: 5296
      author: La Fontaine, Jean de
       title: Tales and Novels of J. de La Fontaine — Volume 22
        date: None
       words: 3869
      flesch: 76
     summary: And they so earnestly the science sought, That by experience both the art had learned, And ev'ry thing most perfectly discerned. THESE sisters eagerly had made one day An assignation with the lover gay; To have the entertainment quite complete, They'd Bacchus, Ceres too, who Venus greet: With perfect neatness all the meats were served, And naught from grace and elegancy swerved; The wines, the custards, jellies, creams, and ice: The decorations, ev'ry thing was nice; What pleasing objects and delights were viewed!
    keywords: andrew; ear; ev'ry; fair; theresa; thing; tis
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        item: #24 of 27
          id: 5297
      author: La Fontaine, Jean de
       title: Tales and Novels of J. de La Fontaine — Volume 23
        date: None
       words: 3757
      flesch: 75
     summary: Till on Olympus' mount the gods we see, In council met, to whom I'll state the case; On this the new-made goddess left the place, In ev'ry thing contented as a dove, And fully witnessed by the god of love. but should they cause A belle to lose a portion of applause, A handsome fortune give, and you'll behold, That ev'ry thing can be repaired by gold.
    keywords: aminta; cleon; ev'ry; fair; love; thing; tis
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        item: #25 of 27
          id: 5298
      author: La Fontaine, Jean de
       title: Tales and Novels of J. de La Fontaine — Volume 24
        date: None
       words: 3540
      flesch: 80
     summary: BOTH husbands madly ran from cross to square, And with their foolish clamours rent the air; I'm saddled, hooted one; I'm girth'd, said this; The latter some perhaps will doubt, and hiss; Such things however should not be disbelieved For instance, recollect (what's well received), Contains: The Indiscreet Confession The Contract The Quid Pro Quo, or The Mistakes THE INDISCREET CONFESSIONS FAMED Paris ne'er within its walls had got, Such magick charms as were Aminta's lot, Youth, beauty, temper, fortune, she possessed,
    keywords: ev'ry; father; girl; husband; lady; mistress; view
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        item: #26 of 27
          id: 5299
      author: La Fontaine, Jean de
       title: Tales and Novels of J. de La Fontaine — Volume 25
        date: None
       words: 3048
      flesch: 85
     summary: Such love In parents we must all approve, What's the use; Said Richard, of all our affection?
    keywords: bed; kate; kitty; love; night; nightingale
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        item: #27 of 27
          id: 7241
      author: La Fontaine, Jean de
       title: Fables of La Fontaine — a New Edition, with Notes
        date: None
       words: 99535
      flesch: 88
     summary: Great blemishes in other men we spy, Which in ourselves we pass most kindly by. Of other men the powers of chance and storm Their dues collected in substantial form; While smiling Fortune, in her kindest sport, Took care to waft his vessels to their port.
    keywords: aesop; age; air; ass; bear; beasts; beneath; bird; book; care; case; cat; come; course; day; dead; death; dog; dogs; doubt; eagle; edition; fable; face; fair; fate; fear; fontaine; fortune; fox; friend; god; gods; gold; good; great; hath; head; heart; heaven; home; house; human; king; know; leave; life; lion; love; madame; man; master; men; mind; monkey; nature; need; new; o'er; people; phaedrus; place; poet; power; race; rat; reason; rest; saw; set; sheep; shepherd; sir; son; story; sweet; thing; thought; thy; till; time; tis; truth; twas; vain; viii; war; way; wife; wise; wolf; work; world; xii; years; young
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