The Countryman Who Sought His Calf
La Fontaine 1621 (Château-Thierry, Champagne) – 1695 (Neuilly-sur-Seine, Île-de-France)
A COUNTRYMAN, one day, his calf had lost,
And, seeking it, a neighbouring forest crossed;
The tallest tree that in the district grew,
He climbed to get a more extensive view.
Just then a lady with her lover came;
The place was pleasing, both to spark and dame;
Their mutual wishes, looks and eyes expressed,
And on the grass the lady was caressed.
At sights of charms, enchanting to the eyes,
The gay gallant exclaimed, with fond surprise:--
Ye gods, what striking beauties now I see!
No objects named; but spoke with anxious glee.
The clod, who, on the tree had mounted high,
And heard at ease the conversation nigh,
Now cried:--Good man! who see with such delight;
Pray tell me if my calf be in your sight?
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Submitted on May 13, 2011
Modified on March 05, 2023
- 39 sec read
- 61 Views
Quick analysis:
Scheme | AABBCCDDEEFFGGHH |
---|---|
Closest metre | Iambic pentameter |
Characters | 701 |
Words | 132 |
Stanzas | 1 |
Stanza Lengths | 16 |
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"The Countryman Who Sought His Calf" Poetry.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 11 Oct. 2024. <https://www.poetry.com/poem/25347/the-countryman-who-sought-his-calf>.
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