Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE ASS CLOTHED IN THE LION'S SKIN, by JEAN DE LA FONTAINE


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE ASS CLOTHED IN THE LION'S SKIN, by             Poem Explanation         Poet's Biography
First Line: Fear fled before a wily ass that clad
Last Line: The only witness of their valiance.
Subject(s): Asses & Mules; Duplicity; Fables; Masks; Mules; Deceit; Allegories


FEAR fled before a wily Ass that clad
In lion's skin his head and shoulders;
Though little might the creature had,
He frightened all beholders.
An ear-tip showing to observant eyes
Made plain the sham of his disguise;
And straightway Martin set him running.
But those still blinded by his cunning
Were much amazed his lash should dare
Drive back the lion to his lair.

How many folks who make a stir in France
Remind us daily of the fabled Ass:
Vain pomp, alas!
The only witness of their valiance.





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