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Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Searching... Subject: FABLES Matches Found: 285 UPDATE command denied to user 'poetryex_users'@'localhost' for table `poetryex_poems`.`subcnt` A CHAINE OF PEARLE: THE SIXTH PEARLE. JUSTICE, by DIANA PRIMROSE Poem Text First Line: Her justice next appears, which did support Last Line: Are the maine pillers of romes hierarchy. Subject(s): Catholics; Fables; Justice; Pearls; Roman Catholics; Catholicism; Allegories A FABLE, by THEODOSIA (PICKERING) GARRISON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Was it not enough, said the toad, Last Line: Said the moth to the toad. Alternate Author Name(s): Faulks, Frederick J., Mrs. Subject(s): Fables; Moths; Toads; Allegories A FABLE, by BURGES JOHNSON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Said a little boy to a honey bee Last Line: Said the honey bee to the little boy. Subject(s): Bees; Boys; Fables; Insects; Play; Beekeeping; Allegories; Bugs A FABLE, by ELLA WHEELER WILCOX Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Some cawing crows, a hooting owl Last Line: Useless and unavailing. Alternate Author Name(s): Wilson, Robert, Mrs. Subject(s): Birds; Fables; Soul; Allegories A FABLE FOR POETS, by BERTON BRALEY Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Once on a time there was a bard Last Line: "and none of them were very long!" Subject(s): Fables; Allegories A FABLE FROM PHAEDRUS, by MATTHEW PRIOR Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: The fox an actors vizard found Last Line: Thou specious head without a brain?' Subject(s): Fables; Foxes; Allegories A FABLE, FOR HENRICUS D., ESQ., JR, by THOMAS EDWARD BROWN Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: In the old old times Last Line: And he'll listen, and he'll listen, and he'll sigh. Alternate Author Name(s): Brown, T. E. Subject(s): Fables; Allegories A PASSAGE IN THE MORALE ENCOMIUM OF ERASMUS IMITATED, by MATTHEW PRIOR Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: In awful pomp, and melancholy state Last Line: Wild schemes of mirth, and plans of loose delight. Subject(s): Fables; Fear; Reason; Allegories; Intellect; Rationalism; Brain; Mind; Intellectuals ACORN AND THE PUMPKIN, by JEAN DE LA FONTAINE Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: The lord knows best what he's about Subject(s): Fables ADAONIS AND THE WATER NYMPHS, by JEAN DE LA FONTAINE Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: The nymphs, who hold the future in their gaze Last Line: The horns are muffled by an unknown spell Subject(s): Fables ALLEGORY, by TIMOTHY MURPHY Poem Source First Line: If a little cassowary Last Line: For a wary cassowary Subject(s): Fables ALLEGORY, by JOHN COWPER POWYS Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: The clouds that pass so swiftly o'er the downs Last Line: Must in the end be borne beyond the shore. Subject(s): Clouds; Fables; Fate; Sea; Allegories; Destiny; Ocean ALLEGORY, by WANG ANSHIH Poem Source First Line: Nothing in the universe can be figured out Last Line: Here we are, without a doubt, still having doubts! Subject(s): Fables; Zen Buddhism ALLEGORY OF TWO MARKS ON A COMPASS, by FORREST GANDER Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Is the swagged field where we bloated, unburied Subject(s): Fables; Allegories ALLEGORY OF TWO MARKS ON A COMPASS, by FORREST GANDER Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Is the swagged field where we bloated, unburied Last Line: A thumbprint of wind, and went out Subject(s): Fables AMBITION AND CONTENT; A FABLE, by MARK AKENSIDE Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: While yet the world was young and men were few Last Line: And all applaud the justice of the god. Subject(s): Ambition; Fables; Allegories ANIMALS ILL WITH THE PLAGUE, by JEAN DE LA FONTAINE Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Long years ago a blight attacked Last Line: Moral? The weak are always wrong; the strong are right Subject(s): Fables APE AND THE LEOP0ARD, by JEAN DE LA FONTAINE Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: The leopard and the ape worked at the fair Last Line: Whose only talent lies in his attire Subject(s): Fables ART, by DAVID MERRITT CARLYLE Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: He wrote of a folk imagined Last Line: "a wonderful work of art!" Subject(s): Art & Artists; Fables; Pens & Pencils; Writing & Writers; Allegories ASS AND HIS MASTERS, by JEAN DE LA FONTAINE Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: The gardener's ass complained to fate that he Last Line: Hound him with or lament, ad infinitum Subject(s): Fables ASS DRESSED IN THE LION'S SKIN, by JEAN DE LA FONTAINE Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: An ass, dressed in a lion's skin Last Line: But little are they, or less, undressed! Subject(s): Fables ASS WITH A LOAD OF HOLY RELICS, by JEAN DE LA FONTAINE Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: A jackass carrying a reliquary Subject(s): Fables AYE AND NO: A FABLE, by JONATHAN SWIFT Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: In fable all things hold discourse Last Line: And fight e'er since, for pay, like swisses. Subject(s): Fables; Allegories BEAR AND THE TWO COMPANIONS, by JEAN DE LA FONTAINE Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Two churls - an impecunious pair Last Line: He said, 'don't sell the bearskin with the bear still in it! Subject(s): Fables BEES AND THE ANTS, by IGNACY KRASICKI Poem Source First Line: There once were two republics that were close neighbors Last Line: Better moderation than wealth in too great measure Subject(s): Fables BIGOT, by IGNACY KRASICKI Poem Source First Line: A bigot knelt at her bedside and prayed Last Line: Lord god, please save us from such piety! Subject(s): Fables BIRD WOUNDED BY AN ARROW, by JEAN DE LA FONTAINE Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Mortally wounded by a feathered dart Subject(s): Fables BIRDS IN A CAGE, by IGNACY KRASICKI Poem Source First Line: A young finch asked an old one, why is it that you cry? Last Line: But I was free and now am caged and do not wish to live Subject(s): Fables BLOCK OF ICE AND THE CRYSTAL, by IGNACY KRASICKI Poem Source First Line: There once was a chunk of ice, born of a morass Last Line: It thawed out, sank, and became a muddy puddle Subject(s): Fables BOOK 12, #5, by JEAN DE LA FONTAINE Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Let me live Last Line: Who flatter themselves, believe they can have everything? %mice Subject(s): Fables; Mice BOOKS, by IGNACY KRASICKI Poem Source First Line: There once was a library, so I've been told Last Line: He invents the future, and you invent the past Subject(s): Fables BOY AND THE SCHOOLMASTER, by JEAN DE LA FONTAINE Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Wise counsel is not always wise Subject(s): Fables BREAD AND THE SWORD, by IGNACY KRASICKI Poem Source First Line: A sword was set down beside a loaf of bread Last Line: You often defend me; more often you plunder Subject(s): Fables CAT AND THE FOX, by JEAN DE LA FONTAINE Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: With pious mien, a fox and a tom-cat Subject(s): Animals; Cats; Fables CAT CHANGED INTO A WOMAN, by JEAN DE LA FONTAINE Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: A man loved, heart and soul, his favorite cat Subject(s): Animals; Cats; Fables CAT INTO LADY, by JEAN DE LA FONTAINE Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: A man possessed a cat on which he doted Subject(s): Animals; Cats; Fables CEYX AND ALCYONE, by PUBLIUS OVIDIUS NASO Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: These prodigies affect the pious prince Last Line: And for his hatching nephews smooths the seas. Alternate Author Name(s): Ovid Subject(s): Courts & Courtiers; Fables; Goddesses & Gods; Marriage; Mythology; Ovid (43 B.c.-17 A.d.); Translating & Interpreting; Allegories; Weddings; Husbands; Wives CHILD AND THE FATHER, by IGNACY KRASICKI Poem Source First Line: A father whipped his son because he would not learn Last Line: He could not find the birch, so the father used a cane Subject(s): Fables CHILD AND THE SCHOOLMASTER, by JEAN DE LA FONTAINE Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: I tell the present fable to portray Last Line: Rescue me first; give me your lecture later! Subject(s): Fables CHILDREN AND FROGS, by IGNACY KRASICKI Poem Source First Line: Around a lagoon %in late afternoon Last Line: You want to have fun, but we want to exist Subject(s): Fables CHINESE EMPEROR AND HIS SON, by IGNACY KRASICKI Poem Source First Line: The chinese are wise, thought they live far away Last Line: If the helmsman is careless, it won't stay afloat Subject(s): Fables COACH AND THE FLY, by JEAN DE LA FONTAINE Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: A coach-and-six was climbing up a hill Last Line: Best cast them out; we can well do without them Subject(s): Fables COCKEREL, THE CAT, AND THE YOUNG MOUSE, by JEAN DE LA FONTAINE Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: A youthful mouse, not up to trap Subject(s): Fables COUNCIL HELD BY THE RATS (2), by JEAN DE LA FONTAINE Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: A tyrant cat, by surname nibblelard Subject(s): Animals; Cats; Fables COUNTRY FELLOWS AND THE ASS; ABSURDITY OF ATTEMPTING TO PLEASE ALL MEN, by JOHN BYROM Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: A country fellow and his son, they tell Last Line: To think of pleasing all is but a jest. Variant Title(s): The Countrymen And The Ass Subject(s): Fables; Fathers & Sons; Men; Allegories CROW WHO WANTED TO IMITATE THE EAGLE, by JEAN DE LA FONTAINE Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: An eagle - sacred bird of jove Last Line: The gnat remains entrapped; the wasp flies free Subject(s): Fables CYMON AND IPHIGENIA, by GIOVANNI BOCCACCIO Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Old as I am, for ladies' love unfit, / the power of beauty I remember yet Last Line: And happy each at home enjoys his love. Subject(s): Boccaccio, Giovanni (1313-1375); Fables; Love; Allegories DEER AND THE VINE, by JEAN DE LA FONTAINE Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: A deer pursued by hounds had found some high Last Line: Sullies the refuge that was their salvation Subject(s): Fables DICTATORIAL OWL, by CHARLOTTE SMITH Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Within a hollow elm, whose scanty shade Last Line: Who think themselves much wiser than their neighbours Alternate Author Name(s): Smith, Charlotte Turner Subject(s): Birds; Fables; Owls DISCORD, by JEAN DE LA FONTAINE Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: The goddess discord, having sown her strife Subject(s): Fables DISSATISFIED WITH A LOG FOR KING, THE FROGS GET A CRANE, by JEAN DE LA FONTAINE Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: A certain commonwealth aquatic Subject(s): Fables DOCTOR AND HEALTH, by IGNACY KRASICKI Poem Source First Line: I'll tell you a tale you'll have trouble believing Last Line: Health answered, when you come, I run the other way Subject(s): Fables DOCTORS, by JEAN DE LA FONTAINE Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: A patient in the sickest of conditions Last Line: He'd still be living if they'd heeded my!' Subject(s): Fables DRIVER AND THE BUTTERFLY, by IGNACY KRASICKI Poem Source First Line: The wagon would not budge, it was stuck in the mud Last Line: He flew off saying to the peasant: go in peace! Subject(s): Fables DRUNK, by IGNACY KRASICKI Poem Source First Line: After living on the bottle day and night Last Line: Then he got well ... And drank straight from the jug Subject(s): Fables DRUNKARD AND HIS WIFE, by JEAN DE LA FONTAINE Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Each one's his faults, to which he still holds fast Subject(s): Fables EACH SATISFIED WITH HIMSELF,THE ANIMALS CRITICIZE EACH OTHER, by JEAN DE LA FONTAINE Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: From heaven one day did jupiter proclaim Subject(s): Fables EAST OF THE SUN AND WEST OF THE MOON, by WILLIAM STANLEY MERWIN Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Say the year is the year of the phoenix Last Line: Creates the image in which the world is Alternate Author Name(s): Merwin, W. S. Subject(s): Dreams; Fables; Fantasy; Masks; Shadows ECLOGUE: THE TIMES, by WILLIAM BARNES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Well, tom, how be'st? Zoo thou'st a-got thy neame Last Line: You'll goo vor wool, an' then come hwome a-sheär'd. Subject(s): Birds; Crows; Economics; Fables; Farm Life; Labor & Laborers; Pigs; Politics & Government; Social Protest; Wages; Allegories; Agriculture; Farmers; Work; Workers; Boars; Hogs; Salaries ELEPHANT AND JUPITER'S APE, by JEAN DE LA FONTAINE Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: The elephant and the rhinoceros Last Line: The gods tend all their subjects, great and small Subject(s): Fables ELEPHANT AND THE BEE, by IGNACY KRASICKI Poem Source First Line: Never should the weak be spiteful of the strong! Last Line: The elephant didn't feel it, and the bee died Subject(s): Fables END, by IGNACY KRASICKI Poem Source First Line: One more! As if fables will come on command? Last Line: Joey understood that the cake was a lure %and said, now I don't want the cake any more Subject(s): Fables FABLE, by DORIS LESSING Poem Full Text Poet's Biography First Line: When I look back I seem to remember singing. Last Line: And hear the far-off youthful voices singing Subject(s): Fables FABLE, by WILLIAM STANLEY MERWIN Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I am a mad precarious man Last Line: Heartless and foolishly Alternate Author Name(s): Merwin, W. S. Subject(s): Fables FABLE, by GEORGE O'NEIL Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: I led him on into the frosted wood Last Line: "I'm numb, I'm going home,"" he said." Subject(s): Fables; Unicorns; Winter; Allegories FABLE, by WILLIAM WITHERUP Poem Source First Line: When antelope first saw men Last Line: In vomit and rotting meat Subject(s): Fables; San Francisco FABLE: 17. AY AND NO, by JOHN GAY Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: In fable all things hold discourse Subject(s): Fables FABLE: DEATH AND THE RAKE, by NATHANIEL COTTON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: When pleasures court the human heart Last Line: And cleaves the hoary dotard's heart. Subject(s): Death; Fables; Dead, The; Allegories FABLE: NEPTUNE AND THE MARINERS, by NATHANIEL COTTON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: When sore calamities we feel, Last Line: The gallant george in safety rides. Subject(s): Fables; Fortitude; Pain; Perseverance; Allegories; Suffering; Misery FABLE: THE BEE, THE ANT, AND THE SPARROW, by NATHANIEL COTTON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: My dears, 'tis said in days of old Last Line: The wicked, wanton sparrow died. Subject(s): Bees; Fables; Insects; Sparrows; Virtue; Beekeeping; Allegories; Bugs FABLE: THE FARMER AND THE HORSE, by NATHANIEL COTTON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Tis a vain world, and all things show it Last Line: But take the world as he shall find it.' Subject(s): Animals; Fables; Farm Life; Horses; Allegories; Agriculture; Farmers FABLE: THE LAMB AND THE PIG, by NATHANIEL COTTON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Consult the moralist, you'll find Last Line: That once a lrog, and always so. Subject(s): Deception; Fables; Lambs; Pigs; Allegories; Boars; Hogs FABLE: THE OWL, by NATHANIEL COTTON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: It seems, an owl, in days of yore Last Line: And fills his purse, and thins the town. Subject(s): Birds; Fables; Owls; Allegories FABLE: THE SCHOLAR AND THE CAT, by NATHANIEL COTTON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Labour entitles man to eat Last Line: Instruct vain supercilious man.' Subject(s): Activity; Animals; Cats; Fables; Reason; Scholarship & Scholars; Virtue; Exercise; Allegories; Intellect; Rationalism; Brain; Mind; Intellectuals FABLE: THE SNAIL AND THE GARDENER, by NATHANIEL COTTON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: When sons of fortune ride on high Last Line: Is suited to the bearer's back.' Subject(s): Fables; Happiness; Mankind; Allegories; Joy; Delight; Human Race FABLES FOR THE LADIES: LOVE AND VANITY, by EDWARD MOORE (1712-1757) Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: The breezy morning breath'd perfume Last Line: And centres every fond desire. Subject(s): Fables; Love; Vanity; Women; Allegories FABLES FOR THE LADIES: THE EAGLE AND THE ASSEMBLY OF BIRDS, by EDWARD MOORE (1712-1757) Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: The moral lay to beauty due Last Line: Are startled at the passing air.' Subject(s): Birds; Eagles; Fables; Allegories FABLES FOR THE LADIES: THE FEMALE SEDUCERS, by EDWARD MOORE (1712-1757) Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Tis said of widow, maid, and wife Last Line: Sister, come, and turn no more.' Subject(s): Fables; Seduction; Women; Allegories FABLES FOR THE LADIES: THE GOOSE AND THE SWANS, by EDWARD MOORE (1712-1757) Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: I hate the face, however fair Last Line: You only her defects reveal. Subject(s): Beauty; Birds; Fables; Faces; Geese; Nature; Swans; Women; Allegories FABLES FOR THE LADIES: THE PANTHER, HORSE, AND OTHER BEASTS, by EDWARD MOORE (1712-1757) Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: The man who seeks to win the fair Last Line: Spurn'd at the crowd, and sought the plain. Subject(s): Animals; Fables; Horses; Panthers; Women; Allegories FABLES FOR THE LADIES: THE WOLF, THE SHEEP, AND THE LAMB, by EDWARD MOORE (1712-1757) Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Duty demands the parent's voice Last Line: Beneath his jaws the victim dies. Subject(s): Fables; Lambs; Marriage; Sheep; Wolves; Allegories; Weddings; Husbands; Wives FABLES: 1, by MARY AUSTEN Poem Source First Line: A cock was working very hard Last Line: I'd rather find a grain of wheat! Subject(s): Fables FABLES: 2, by MARY AUSTEN Poem Source First Line: Some fine old grapes were hanging high Last Line: I'm sure, said he, those grapes are sour Subject(s): Fables FABLES: 3, by MARY AUSTEN Poem Source First Line: A country man, who, I am told Last Line: Pray held me get it up again Subject(s): Fables FAERIE QUEENE (COMPLETE), by EDMUND SPENSER Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Lo I the man, whose muse whilome did maske Last Line: O that great sabbaoth god graunt me that sabbaoths sight! Alternate Author Name(s): Clout, Colin Subject(s): Chaucer, Geoffrey (1342-1400); Country Life; England; Fables; Knights And Knighthood; Language; Morality; Poetry And Poets; Sleep; Virtue FALSORUM DEORUM CULTOR, by WILLIAM ROSE BENET Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Give me my mystery, nor let me be Last Line: And the thrinakrian hides crept o'er the ground! Subject(s): Fables; Allegories FLATTERING MIRROR, by IGNACY KRASICKI Poem Source First Line: When she looked in the mirror at her reflection Last Line: So she shattered the flattering mirror to bits Subject(s): Fables FOREST AND THE WOODSMAN, by JEAN DE LA FONTAINE Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: A woodsman broke the handle of his axe Last Line: Rant though I may - will long remain the fashion Subject(s): Fables FOX AND THE GOAT, by JEAN DE LA FONTAINE Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Renard - that crafty captain, he Last Line: Quite so. For as we sow, so shall we reap Subject(s): Fables FOX AND THE STORK, by JEAN DE LA FONTAINE Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: One day renard the fox - goodfellow he! Last Line: Tricksters, you could be next: hear, and take heed! Subject(s): Fables FOX AND THE YOUNG TURKEY COCKS, by JEAN DE LA FONTAINE Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: One night, a brood of youngster turkey cocks Last Line: Too much, and you may well fall victim to it Subject(s): Fables FOX HOAXES THE RAVEN OUT OF HIS CHEESE, by JEAN DE LA FONTAINE Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Perched on a lofty oak Subject(s): Fables FOX THE APE, AND THE ANIMALS, by JEAN DE LA FONTAINE Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: A lion, monarch of the country round Last Line: Truly deserve, indeed, to wear a crown Subject(s): Fables FOX WHO LOST HIS TAIL, by JEAN DE LA FONTAINE Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: A certain fox, grown old, but nonetheless Last Line: Yes, truth to tell, the tail is still in style Subject(s): Fables FOX, THE FLIES, AND THE HEDGEHOG, by JEAN DE LA FONTAINE Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Wounded by hunters, left to die Last Line: They harass least who fill their bellies best! Subject(s): Fables FOX, THE WOLF, AND THE HORSE, by JEAN DE LA FONTAINE Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: A fox - quite young, but still quite clever Last Line: Best not to trust the stranger till you know him!' Subject(s): Fables FRIENDS, by IGNACY KRASICKI Poem Source First Line: Once there was a little hare %who gamboled freely here and there Last Line: The dogs ate the hare among his dear friends Subject(s): Fables FROGS WHO ASK FOR A KING, by JEAN DE LA FONTAINE Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: The frogs, in realm aquatic Last Line: The next, mayhap, may be more wicked yet!' Subject(s): Fables GEESE, by IGNACY KRASICKI Poem Source First Line: Just about everyone knows the story Last Line: They emerged from their dens and ate the geese Subject(s): Fables GLADYS AND HER ISLAND; AN IMPERFECT TALE WITH DOUBTFUL MORAL, by JEAN INGELOW Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: O happy gladys! I rejoice with her Last Line: And mind your english. Subject(s): Fables; Heroism; Islands; Story-telling; Tears; Youth; Allegories; Heroes; Heroines GLUTTON, by JEAN DE LA FONTAINE Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Himself let no one spare nor flatter Last Line: For laws of right and justice cry, %the guiltiest alone should die Subject(s): Fables; Gluttony GLUTTONY AND ENVY, by IGNACY KRASICKI Poem Source First Line: Leaving his homeland, his children and wife Last Line: Envy lost one eye, and gluttony both Subject(s): Fables GRASSHOPPER AND THE ANT, by JEAN DE LA FONTAINE Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Grasshopper, having sung her song all summer long Subject(s): Fables GREEDINESS PUNISHED, by FRIEDRICH RUCKERT Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: It was the cloister grabow, in the land of usedom Last Line: They might have been contented! Alternate Author Name(s): Raimar, Freidmund Subject(s): Fables; Greed; Allegories; Avarice; Cupidity HARE AND THE TORTOISE, by JEAN DE LA FONTAINE Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: To win the race you needn't run; just start on time Last Line: If you were forced to drag your house along!' Subject(s): Fables HAYCART, by IGNACY KRASICKI Poem Source First Line: In harness of leather Last Line: That's how long it took to dry out the hay Subject(s): Fables HEIFER, THE GOAT, AND THE LAMB IN CONSORT WITH THE LION, by JEAN DE LA FONTAINE Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: In ages past, they say, the sisterhood Last Line: Must be the last, I'll kill the first to touch it!' Subject(s): Fables HERON, THE FISH, AND THE CRAB, by IGNACY KRASICKI Poem Source First Line: There was an old heron, once upon a time Last Line: He strangled the heron, she fell down dead %thus always to traitors! The crab then said Subject(s): Fables HOPE AND TIME, by SAMUEL TAYLOR COLERIDGE Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: In the great city rear'd, my fancy rude Last Line: And knows not whether he is first or last. Subject(s): Fables; Hope; Poetry & Poets; Time; Youth; Allegories; Optimism HORSE AND THE ASS, by JEAN DE LA FONTAINE Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: In this world one must help one's brothers Last Line: The ass's skin and bones as well Subject(s): Fables HUMBLE LION, by IGNACY KRASICKI Poem Source First Line: It's bad to lie and bad to speak truth at court Last Line: You're a cruel gluttonous tyrant. Soon the sheep was dead Subject(s): Fables INSUBORDINATE OXEN, by IGNACY KRASICKI Poem Source First Line: Evil's dawn is pleasant, but its dusk often stings Last Line: There was no bread in winter: the oxen were eaten Subject(s): Fables JAY IN MASQUERADE, by CHARLOTTE SMITH Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Within a park's area vast Last Line: Learn hence, how common sense despises %the pilf'ring literary jay Alternate Author Name(s): Smith, Charlotte Turner Subject(s): Fables; Jays LADY WITH THE HERON, by WILLIAM STANLEY MERWIN Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I walk athirst Last Line: At the feet of a heron Alternate Author Name(s): Merwin, W. S. Subject(s): Drought; Fables; Thirst; Water LAMB AND THE WOLVES, by IGNACY KRASICKI Poem Source First Line: Whoever seeks to conquer will find an excuse Last Line: You're tasty, weak and in the woods! -- they ate it in one bite Subject(s): Fables LILITH, by HARRY HIBBARD KEMP Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: The fiercest demon-shape in hell / was lilith fell Last Line: To save a world once more! Subject(s): Adam & Eve; Bible; Fables; Lilith; Eve; Allegories LION AND THE ANIMALS (1), by IGNACY KRASICKI Poem Source First Line: In order to prove that he was a gracious beast Last Line: As punishment, as example, he tore them all asunder Subject(s): Fables LION AND THE ANIMALS (2), by IGNACY KRASICKI Poem Source First Line: In the presence of the lion there raged a debate Last Line: He said: in my opinion, he is best who boasts the least Subject(s): Fables LION AND THE RAT; THE DOVE AND THE ANT, by JEAN DE LA FONTAINE Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Man should serve everyone as best he's able Last Line: Watches her go, and bids adieu to dinner Subject(s): Fables LION BROUGHT DOWN BY MAN, by JEAN DE LA FONTAINE Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: A canvas at an exhibition Subject(s): Fables LION GOES OFF TO WAR, by JEAN DE LA FONTAINE Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: The lion, bent on action military Last Line: Even the least have skills: let them be used! Subject(s): Fables LION, THE WOLF, AND THE FOX, by JEAN DE LA FONTAINE Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Decrepit, bent with years, and rackecd with gout Last Line: Unsure, unsafe, and unforgiving Subject(s): Fables LIONESS'S FUNERAL, by JEAN DE LA FONTAINE Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Queen lioness, king lion's consort, died Last Line: Hated you were before, now you're his friend forever Subject(s): Fables LITTLE FISH AND THE PIKE, by IGNACY KRASICKI Poem Source First Line: A tiny fish once saw a worm as she swam around Last Line: The little fish said: sometimes it's better to be small Subject(s): Fables LITTLE HARE, by IGNACY KRASICKI Poem Source First Line: It was that pleasant time of year Last Line: For your wish in the spring, in the fall you'll cry Subject(s): Fables LOVE AND FOLLY, by JEAN DE LA FONTAINE Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet's Biography First Line: Love's worshippers alone can know Last Line: "where'er the boy may choose to go." Subject(s): Fables; Love; Allegories LOVE AND FOLLY, by JEAN DE LA FONTAINE Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Love is the deepest mystery Subject(s): Fables LOVE AND FOLLY; FROM THE FABLES OF LA FONTAINE, by CHARLOTTE SMITH Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Love, who now deals to human hearts Last Line: "folly shall lead him." Alternate Author Name(s): Smith, Charlotte Turner Subject(s): Fables; La Fontaine, Jean De (1621-1695); Love; Allegories LOVE, JOY, AND PLEASURE; AN ALLEGORY, by LUCRETIA MARIA DAVIDSON Poem Text First Line: The night was calm, the sky serene Last Line: On the scroll which charity gave them. Subject(s): Fables; Happiness; Love; Pleasure; Allegories; Joy; Delight MAN AND HEALTH, by IGNACY KRASICKI Poem Source First Line: A man went out walking with his health beside him Last Line: The man turned to answer... But his health had run ahead Subject(s): Fables MAN AND THE FLEA, by JEAN DE LA FONTAINE Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: How often, with your tiresome, irksome prayer Subject(s): Fables MAN AND THE MIRRORS, by IGNACY KRASICKI Poem Source First Line: An enlarging mirror once crossed a small man's sight Last Line: And learned the truth by measuring with a stick Subject(s): Fables MAN AND THE SNAKE, by JEAN DE LA FONTAINE Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: A human being once saw a snake Last Line: Speak at a distance...Or don't speak at all Subject(s): Fables MAN AND THE WOLF, by IGNACY KRASICKI Poem Source First Line: A man in a wolf's skin saw a wolf passing through Last Line: I know that you're weak if you need another's skin Subject(s): Fables MAN WHO MARRIED A SHREW, by JEAN DE LA FONTAINE Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: If it were true that, in this life Subject(s): Fables MAN WITH THE WOODEN IDOL, by JEAN DE LA FONTAINE Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: A pagan had an idol carved in wood;. Subject(s): Fables MASTER AND THE DOG, by IGNACY KRASICKI Poem Source First Line: A dog barked at a thief to prevent a disaster Last Line: And then they beat the dog because he didn't bark Subject(s): Fables MASTIFF BITCH AND HER FRIEND, by JEAN DE LA FONTAINE Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: A mastiff bitch, about to bear her litter Last Line: They take a hand Subject(s): Fables MATRON OF EPHESUS, by JEAN DE LA FONTAINE Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: If any tale - well worn, banal Last Line: Than all your kings and emperors, rich but dead Subject(s): Fables METAMOPHOSES: THE FABLE OF ACIS, POLYPHEMUS, AND GALATEA, by PUBLIUS OVIDIUS NASO Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Acis, the lovely youth, whose loss I mourn Last Line: With rapid motion, and his name retains. Alternate Author Name(s): Ovid Subject(s): Fables; Mythology; Ovid (43 B.c.-17 A.d.); Translating & Interpreting; Allegories METAMORPHOSES: THE FABLE OF IPHIS AND IANTHE, by PUBLIUS OVIDIUS NASO Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: The fame of this, perhaps, through crete had flown Last Line: And the warm youth enjoys the lovely maid. Alternate Author Name(s): Ovid Subject(s): Fables; Fame; Goddesses & Gods; Mythology; Ovid (43 B.c.-17 A.d.); Translating & Interpreting; Allegories; Reputation MICE, by IGNACY KRASICKI Poem Source First Line: Everyone has troubles: no wonder that Last Line: And neither be with nor against the cat Subject(s): Fables MIDDLE-AGED MAN AND HIS TWO MISTRESSES, by JEAN DE LA FONTAINE Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: A man of middling age, one day Last Line: Thank you, my loves. The lesson's worth my hair.' Subject(s): Fables MISER WHO LOST HIS TREASURE, by JEAN DE LA FONTAINE Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Possessions have no value till we use them Last Line: They'll be worth quite as much to you!' Subject(s): Fables MONEY-BURIER AND HIS FRIEND, by JEAN DE LA FONTAINE Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: A most close-fisted miser had amassed Last Line: How easily the cheat, in turn, is cheated! Subject(s): Fables MONKEY AND THE CAT, by JEAN DE LA FONTAINE Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Bertrand and raton - a monkey and a cat Subject(s): Animals; Cats; Fables; Monkeys MONSOON DAY FABLE, by JAYANTA MAHAPATRA Poem Source First Line: The fable at the beginning of the monsoon Last Line: That gazes aimlessly about the footprints %of someone going home Subject(s): Fables; India; Monsoons MOUSE AND THE CAT, by IGNACY KRASICKI Poem Source First Line: Because of a book he had once eaten whole Last Line: He stepped out of his hole -- and became the cat's feast Subject(s): Fables MR. HAMMOND'S PARABLE, by JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: He was a dreamer of the days Last Line: "he's studied out a patent churn!" Alternate Author Name(s): Johnson Of Boone, Benj. F. Subject(s): Dreams; Fables; Farm Life; Nightmares; Allegories; Agriculture; Farmers MUIOPOTMOS, OR THE FATE OF THE BUTTERFLIE, by EDMUND SPENSER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I sing of deadly dolorous debate Last Line: His bodie left the spectacle of care. Alternate Author Name(s): Clout, Colin Subject(s): Butterflies; Fables; Insects; Mythology; Allegories; Bugs MULE WHO BOASTED OF HIS FAMILY TREE, by JEAN DE LA FONTAINE Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: A priest there was who owned a mule. The latter Last Line: Ill is the wind that blows no good.' Subject(s): Fables MY FARM: A FABLE, by BAYARD TAYLOR Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Within a green and pleasant land Last Line: Do thou the same, my wiser brother! Alternate Author Name(s): Taylor, James Bayard Subject(s): Fables; Farm Life; Nature; Allegories; Agriculture; Farmers NEIGHBORS, by IGNACY KRASICKI Poem Source First Line: On land that lay fallow some rye had sprouted Last Line: War and hunger are bad, but bad neighbors are hell Subject(s): Fables NIGHTINGALE AND THE GOLDFINCH, by IGNACY KRASICKI Poem Source First Line: The nightingale was sitting silent on a limb Last Line: Better short and sweet than long and in vain Subject(s): Fables OAK AND THE REED, by JEAN DE LA FONTAINE Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: The oak one day spoke to the reed: 'I swear Subject(s): Fables OAK AND THE REED, by JEAN DE LA FONTAINE Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: The oak one day addressed the reed Subject(s): Fables OAK AND THE SAPLINGS, by IGNACY KRASICKI Poem Source First Line: For centuries an ancient oak had stood Last Line: Its branches brought down the saplings as well Subject(s): Fables OCEAN AND THE TAGUS RIVER, by IGNACY KRASICKI Poem Source First Line: The ocean grew impudent in its vast size Last Line: Were I not a river, you'd not be the sea Subject(s): Fables OLD CAT AND THE YOUNG MOUSE, by JEAN DE LA FONTAINE Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: A mouse-young, inexperienced-. Subject(s): Fables OLD CAT AND THE YOUNG MOUSE, by JEAN DE LA FONTAINE Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: A young mouse, small and innocent Subject(s): Animals; Cats; Fables OLD CAT AND THE YOUNG MOUSE, by JEAN DE LA FONTAINE Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: A young mouse, with little experience Last Line: Old age is ruthless and inflexible Subject(s): Animals; Cats; Fables OLD MAN AND THE ASS, by JEAN DE LA FONTAINE Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: And old man had an ass. Astride it Last Line: Plain talk: no ifs, no ands, no buts.' Subject(s): Fables OLD MAN AND THE THREE YOUNG MEN, by JEAN DE LA FONTAINE Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: An old man (eighty years or more) Last Line: And graven with the story I've related Subject(s): Fables OX AND THE ANTS, by IGNACY KRASICKI Poem Source First Line: The ox laughed at the tiny task of the ant Last Line: You are forced to work, but I am so inclined Subject(s): Fables OX MINISTER, by IGNACY KRASICKI Poem Source First Line: The ox was a minister, a sensible one Last Line: The ox became minister and set all things straight Subject(s): Fables OYSTER AND THE LITIGANTS, by JEAN DE LA FONTAINE Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Two pilgrims on the sand espied Subject(s): Fables PAINTERS, by IGNACY KRASICKI Poem Source First Line: Painting portraits two men make their livelihood Last Line: Jan paints faces prettier, pete as they are Subject(s): Fables PAIRING TIME ANTICIPATED; A FABLE, by WILLIAM COWPER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I shall not ask jean jacques rousseau Last Line: But proper time to marry. Subject(s): Fables; Rousseau, Jean Jacques (1712-1778); Allegories PALAMON AND ARCITE, OR THE KNIGHT'S TALE: BOOK 1, by GEOFFREY CHAUCER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: In days of old there lived, of mighty fame Last Line: And theseus for his vertues held him dear. Subject(s): Chaucer, Geoffrey (1342-1400); Fables; Mythology; Theseus; War; Allegories PALAMON AND ARCITE, OR THE KNIGHT'S TALE: BOOK 2, by GEOFFREY CHAUCER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: While arcite lives in bliss, the story turns Last Line: The knights to combate; and their arms to sing. Subject(s): Courts & Courtiers; Death; Fables; Knights & Knighthood; Love; Mythology; Royal Court Life; Royalty; Kings; Queens; Dead, The; Allegories PALAMON AND ARCITE, OR THE KNIGHT'S TALE: BOOK 3, by GEOFFREY CHAUCER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The day approached when fortune should decide Last Line: And all true lovers find the same success. Subject(s): Chaucer, Geoffrey (1342-1400); Death; Fables; Fortune; Knights & Knighthood; Love; Mythology; Dead, The; Allegories PANTHER, by UNKNOWN Poem Source First Line: Many are the creatures, %the manifold kinds Last Line: And the world below. %that is lovely fragrance! Subject(s): Fables PARTRIDGE AND THE COCKS, by JEAN DE LA FONTAINE Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: A partridge had been placed to feed Last Line: It's man we should complain of, not the cock!' Subject(s): Fables PEACOCK AND THE EAGLE, by IGNACY KRASICKI Poem Source First Line: The peacock puffed himself out and flashed his splendid quills Last Line: But they despite the fop and laugh at the conceited Subject(s): Fables PEACOCK WHO COMPLAINED TO JUNO, by JEAN DE LA FONTAINE Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: The peacock, once, went grumbling his lament Last Line: Leave you your voice...And pluck your feathers too!' Subject(s): Fables PEAS ALONG THE ROAD, by IGNACY KRASICKI Poem Source First Line: There once was a farmer greatly displeased Last Line: That being too careful can be a disaster Subject(s): Fables PEASANT AND THE SNAKE, by JEAN DE LA FONTAINE Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Aesop it was who told about Last Line: Sooner or later, fail to meet their doom Subject(s): Fables PHILOSOPHER, by IGNACY KRASICKI Poem Source First Line: A philosopher who had faith in his convictions Last Line: He believed not just in god, but also in ghosts Subject(s): Fables PHILOSOPHER AND THE ORATOR, by IGNACY KRASICKI Poem Source First Line: A philosopher and an orator debated Last Line: But I know I'd rather have the picture than frame Subject(s): Fables PHILOSOPHER AND THE PEASANT, by IGNACY KRASICKI Poem Source First Line: A philosopher with great knowledge in store Last Line: And the magpie that sits on the fence and squawks %that it's better to shut up than to aimlessly tal Subject(s): Fables PHOEBUS AND BOREAS, by JEAN DE LA FONTAINE Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: The sun and the north wind observed a traveler Last Line: Clemency may be our best resource Subject(s): Fables PHOENIX, by UNKNOWN Poem Source First Line: Lo! I have learned %of the loveliest of lands Last Line: In bliss with the angels %alleluia! Subject(s): Fables PIG, GOAT, SHEEP, by JEAN DE LA FONTAINE Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: A goat and a sheep, with a fat pig, are Last Line: Mr. Pig reasoned subtly and well. Only %what good did it do him? Subject(s): Fables PREFACE TO THE FABLES, by IGNACY KRASICKI Poem Source First Line: There was a young man who lived by the golden mean Last Line: Yes, but it all sounds just like a fable to me Subject(s): Fables REFLECTION FROM SOCRATES, by JEAN DE LA FONTAINE Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: A house was being built for socrates Last Line: Rarely, if ever, do we really see one Subject(s): Fables SAGE AND THE FOOL, by IGNACY KRASICKI Poem Source First Line: The fool asked the sage, what does wisdom consist in? Last Line: Wisdom consists in not asking stupid questions Subject(s): Fables SCYTHIAN PHILOSOPHER, by JEAN DE LA FONTAINE Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: A scythian philosopher there was Last Line: To make us cease to live, even before we die Subject(s): Fables SHEEP AND THE SHEPHERD, by IGNACY KRASICKI Poem Source First Line: As he was shearing his sheep the shepherd grew ill Last Line: She answered, you have clothes, without me you'd have none Subject(s): Fables SHEPHERD AND THE SHEEP, by IGNACY KRASICKI Poem Source First Line: The sheep spent %days on her lament Last Line: He's crying for losing the meat, instead! Subject(s): Fables SHRIMP AND HER DAUGHTER, by JEAN DE LA FONTAINE Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: The wise men of yesterday, like the shrimp Last Line: Civilian or military. But let's return %to the subject Subject(s): Fables SICK LION, by IGNACY KRASICKI Poem Source First Line: Lions get sick, even though they are lords Last Line: Of using the doctor to heal the sick Subject(s): Fables SICK LION AND THE FOX, by JEAN DE LA FONTAINE Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: The king of beasts, who, in his lair Last Line: Not clear at all how one comes out.' Subject(s): Fables SIGISMONDA AND GUISCARDO, by GIOVANNI BOCCACCIO Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: While norman tancred in salerno reigned Last Line: And on their monument inscrib'd their fate. Subject(s): Boccaccio, Giovanni (1313-1375); Courts & Courtiers; Fables; Tyranny & Tyrants; Royal Court Life; Royalty; Kings; Queens; Allegories; Dictators SKYLARK, by IGNACY KRASICKI Poem Source First Line: In summer weather %grazed together Last Line: Wisdom is quiet %stupidity loud Subject(s): Fables SNAKE AND THE FILE, by JEAN DE LA FONTAINE Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: They tell about a snake who made his nest Last Line: Solid as diamond, tough as steel and brass Subject(s): Fables SPIDER, by SYLVIA PLATH Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Anansi, black busybody of the folktales Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Ted, Mrs. Subject(s): Africa; Fables; Insects; Spiders; Allegories; Bugs SPIDER, by SYLVIA PLATH Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Anansi, black busybody of the folktales Last Line: Ex machina. Nor did they seem deterred by this Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Ted, Mrs. Subject(s): Africa; Fables; Insects; Spiders STAG WHO SEES HIS REFLECTION IN THE WATER, by JEAN DE LA FONTAINE Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: A stag, by crystal-running brook-. Subject(s): Fables STEED AND THE COLT, by IGNACY KRASICKI Poem Source First Line: A horse in rich trappings, flashing with gold Last Line: Yet I know, though golden, that that's still a bit Subject(s): Fables STREAM AND THE FOUNTAIN, by IGNACY KRASICKI Poem Source First Line: The water in the fountain furiously rumbled Last Line: The stream now knew that nature could not be matched by art Subject(s): Fables STREAM AND THE RIVER, by IGNACY KRASICKI Poem Source First Line: The stream which ran swiftly to the valley below Last Line: Why be in a hurry to fall to the sea? Subject(s): Fables SUITE TO FATHERS: 1, by JAMES HARRISON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I think that night's our balance Last Line: Finding him as the bones of a fish in stone. Alternate Author Name(s): Harrison, Jim Subject(s): Courts & Courtiers; Death; Fables; Fathers; Ghosts; Levertov, Denise (1923-1997); Love; Night; Supernatural; Royal Court Life; Royalty; Kings; Queens; Dead, The; Allegories; Bedtime SUITE TO FATHERS: 2, by JAMES HARRISON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: In the cemetery the grass is pale Last Line: A speech to become meat. Alternate Author Name(s): Harrison, Jim Subject(s): Death; Fables; Dead, The; Allegories SUNFLOWER AND THE VIOLET, by IGNACY KRASICKI Poem Source First Line: One was large, the other one slight Last Line: I may have to hide, but still I am free Subject(s): Fables THE APE AND THE FOX, ON THE FRUITS OF GREEDINESS AND CREDULITY, by JOHN BYROM Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Old esop so famous was certainly right Last Line: That your majesty's grace did not understand trap. Subject(s): Animals; Apes; Cruelty; Fables; Men; Gorillas; Chimpanzees; Gibbons; Orangutans; Allegories THE ASS CLOTHED IN THE LION'S SKIN, by JEAN DE LA FONTAINE Poem Text 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 THE BEAST, by KAREN SWENSON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: The teak is carved, fine as mantilla lace Last Line: The cupped hands of love, to change the beast within. Subject(s): Burma; Fables; Love; Prudence; Allegories; Caution THE BLACKBIRD AND THE THRUSH, by BENJAMIN FRANKLIN KING Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: It's my idee,' a blackbird said Last Line: "and a parrot said: ""so do I." Alternate Author Name(s): King, Ben Subject(s): Birds; Blackbirds; Fables; Farm Life; Parrots; Thrushes; Allegories; Agriculture; Farmers THE BLIND MEN AND THE ELEPHANT, by SANA'I Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Not far from ghur once stood a city tall Last Line: Nor e'en the wise such mysteries discern. Alternate Author Name(s): Hakim Abul-majd Majd?d Ibn ?dam San?'? Ghaznavi; Sanayee Subject(s): Fables; Allegories THE BLUDY SERK, by ROBERT HENRYSON Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: This hinder yeir I hard be tald Last Line: Think on the bludy serk! Alternate Author Name(s): Henderson, Robert+(1) Subject(s): Fables; Religion; Allegories; Theology THE CAGEING OF ARES, by GEORGE MEREDITH Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: How big of breast our mother gaea laughed Last Line: At loftier, clearer, sweeter, by their aid. Subject(s): Fables; Mythology; War; Allegories THE CASTLE-BUILDER, by JEAN DE LA FONTAINE Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet's Biography First Line: It happened on a summer's day Last Line: Cow, calf, and farm—all swam away! Subject(s): Fables; Farm Life; Allegories; Agriculture; Farmers THE CENTAUR FABULOUS, by JOHN BYROM Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Zeuxis of old a female centaur drew Last Line: "they say, ""the centaur is a fable still." Subject(s): Centaurs; Fables; Allegories THE CHARACTER OF A GOOD PARSON, by GEOFFREY CHAUCER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: A parish priest was of the pilgrim train Last Line: He needs no foil, but shines by his own proper light. Variant Title(s): Fables Ancient And Modern: The Character Of A Good Parson, Imitated Subject(s): Chaucer, Geoffrey (1342-1400); Clergy; Fables; Priests; Rabbis; Ministers; Bishops; Allegories THE COBBLER AND THE RICH MAN, by JEAN DE LA FONTAINE Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet's Biography First Line: A cobbler sang from morn till night Last Line: "and take the money, every pound!" Variant Title(s): The Cobbler And The Financier Subject(s): Fables; Shoes; Sleep; Wealth; Allegories; Boots; Sneakers; Shoemakers; Riches; Fortunes THE COCK AND THE FOX, by JEAN DE LA FONTAINE Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet's Biography First Line: Upon a tree there mounted guard Last Line: Tis doubly sweet deceiver to deceive. Subject(s): Brothers; Fables; Quarrels; Relationships; Roosters; Half-brothers; Allegories; Arguments; Disagreements; Cocks THE COCK AND THE FOX, OR THE TALE OF THE NUN'S PRIEST, by GEOFFREY CHAUCER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: There lived, as authors tell, in days of yore Last Line: So take the corn, and leave the chaff behind. Variant Title(s): Fables Ancient And Modern: The Cock And The Fox Subject(s): Animals; Chaucer, Geoffrey (1342-1400); Fables; Goddesses & Gods; Mythology; Widows & Widowers; Allegories THE COUNCIL HELD BY THE RATS (1), by JEAN DE LA FONTAINE Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet's Biography First Line: Old rodilard, a certain cat Last Line: Fell through like this precisely. Subject(s): Animals; Cats; Fables; Allegories THE CROW AND THE FOX, by JEAN DE LA FONTAINE Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet's Biography First Line: A crow sat perched upon an oak Last Line: Swore, but too late, he shouldn't catch him twice. Subject(s): Fables; Foxes; Allegories THE DAWNING OF THE DAY, by CARROLL RYAN Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Give me the harp, old minstrel, you have sung of / vanished things Last Line: For ireland at the dawning of the day! Alternate Author Name(s): Ryan, William Thomas Carroll Subject(s): Fables; Ireland; Allegories; Irish THE DONKEY LOADED WITH RELICS, by JEAN DE LA FONTAINE Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet's Biography First Line: Some relics on a donkey being tied Last Line: But only to his circumstance and station. Subject(s): Donkeys; Fables; Burros; Allegories THE FAERIE QUEENE: BOOK 1, CANTOS 1-3, by EDMUND SPENSER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Lo! I the man, whose muse whylome did maske Last Line: More mild, in beastly kind, then that her beastly foe. Alternate Author Name(s): Clout, Colin Subject(s): Chaucer, Geoffrey (1342-1400); Country Life; England; Fables; Knights & Knighthood; Language; Morality; Poetry & Poets; Sleep; Virtue; English; Allegories; Words; Vocabulary; Ethics THE FAERIE QUEENE: BOOK 2, CANTOS 1-3, by EDMUND SPENSER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Right well I wote most mighty soueraine Last Line: And to be easd of that base burden still did erne. Alternate Author Name(s): Clout, Colin Subject(s): Chaucer, Geoffrey (1342-1400); Country Life; England; Fables; Knights & Knighthood; Language; Morality; Poetry & Poets; Sleep; Virtue; English; Allegories; Words; Vocabulary; Ethics THE FAERIE QUEENE: BOOK 3, CANTOS 1-3, by EDMUND SPENSER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: It falls me here to write of chastity Last Line: The redcrosse knight diverst, but forth rode britomart. Alternate Author Name(s): Clout, Colin Subject(s): Chaucer, Geoffrey (1342-1400); Country Life; England; Fables; Knights & Knighthood; Language; Morality; Poetry & Poets; Sleep; Virtue; English; Allegories; Words; Vocabulary; Ethics THE FAERIE QUEENE: BOOK 4, CANTOS 1-3, by EDMUND SPENSER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The rugged forhead that with grave foresight Last Line: That since their days such lovers were not found elswhere. Alternate Author Name(s): Clout, Colin Subject(s): Chaucer, Geoffrey (1342-1400); Country Life; England; Fables; Knights & Knighthood; Language; Morality; Poetry & Poets; Sleep; Virtue; English; Allegories; Words; Vocabulary; Ethics THE FAERIE QUEENE: BOOK 5, CANTOS 1-3, by EDMUND SPENSER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: So oft as I with state of present time Last Line: We on his first adventure may him forward send. Alternate Author Name(s): Clout, Colin Subject(s): Chaucer, Geoffrey (1342-1400); Country Life; England; Fables; Knights & Knighthood; Language; Morality; Poetry & Poets; Sleep; Virtue; English; Allegories; Words; Vocabulary; Ethics THE FAERIE QUEENE: BOOK 6, CANTOS 1-3, by EDMUND SPENSER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The waies, through which my weary steps I guyde Last Line: That in another canto shall to end be brought. Alternate Author Name(s): Clout, Colin Subject(s): Chaucer, Geoffrey (1342-1400); Country Life; England; Fables; Knights & Knighthood; Language; Morality; Poetry & Poets; Sleep; Virtue; English; Allegories; Words; Vocabulary; Ethics THE FAERIE QUEENE: BOOK 7. TWO CANTOS OF MUTABILITY, by EDMUND SPENSER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: What man that sees the ever-whirling wheele Last Line: O that great sabbaoth god graunt me that sabaoths sight! Alternate Author Name(s): Clout, Colin Subject(s): Chaucer, Geoffrey (1342-1400); Country Life; England; Fables; Knights & Knighthood; Language; Morality; Poetry & Poets; Sleep; Virtue; English; Allegories; Words; Vocabulary; Ethics THE FLOWER AND THE LEAF, OR THE LADY IN THE ARBOUR; A VISION, by GEOFFREY CHAUCER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Now turning from the wintry signs, the sun Last Line: Thy simple style to suit thy lowly kind. Subject(s): Fables; Flowers; Nature; Vision; Women; Allegories THE FOX AND THE GRAPES, by GAIUS JULIUS PHAEDRUS Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: An hungry fox with fierce attack Last Line: Who lessen what they can't come at. Subject(s): Fables; Foxes; Grapes; Allegories THE GROATSWORTH OF WIT: A CONCEITED FABLE OF THE OLD COMEDIAN AESOP, by ROBERT GREENE Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: An ant and a grasshopper, walking together on a Last Line: Without remedy. Subject(s): Aesop (620?-560? B.c); Ants; Fables; Grasshoppers; Insects; Allegories; Bugs THE HOOSIER FOLK-CHILD, by JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The hoosier folk-child - all unsung Last Line: In beaten gold, belongs to him. Alternate Author Name(s): Johnson Of Boone, Benj. F. Subject(s): Children; Fables; Wisdom; Childhood; Allegories THE LADLE, by MATTHEW PRIOR Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet's Biography First Line: The sceptics think, 'twas long ago Last Line: Tis all a wish, and all a ladle. Subject(s): Fables; Goddesses & Gods; Mythology; War; Youth; Allegories THE LARK'S NEST; A FABLE FROM ESOP, by CHARLOTTE SMITH Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Trust only to thyself'; the maxim's sound Last Line: Who manages affairs by deputation. Alternate Author Name(s): Smith, Charlotte Turner Subject(s): Aesop (620?-560? B.c); Birds' Nests; Fables; Allegories THE LAWYER AND JUSTICE, by EDWARD MOORE (1712-1757) Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Love! Thou divinest good below Last Line: Till hardwicke sooth'd her into grace. Subject(s): Fables; Justice; Law & Lawyers; Men; Women; Allegories THE LISTENERS, by WILLIAM WATSON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The face of day is haggard Last Line: On the moor and the mere. Alternate Author Name(s): Watson, John William Subject(s): Fables; Faces; Fear; Thunder; Allegories THE MICE, by MATTHEW PRIOR Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Two mice, dear boy, of genteel fashion Last Line: Send a good coat, that's all; good-by, sir. Subject(s): Fables; France; Mice; Mothers; Allegories THE MILLER AND HIS ADVISERS; AN APOLOGUE, by JOHN GODFREY SAXE Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Of all the fables quaint and old Last Line: "I'll try henceforth to please myself." Subject(s): Fables; Mills And Millers; Allegories THE MUSICAL ASS, by TOMASO DE YRIARTE Poem Text First Line: The fable which I now present Last Line: May shine for once, -- by accident. Alternate Author Name(s): Iriarte, Tomaso De; Iriarte, Tomas De Subject(s): Asses & Mules; Fables; Nature; Allegories THE OAK AND THE REED, by JEAN DE LA FONTAINE Poet's Biography First Line: You have good cause to weep your fate' Subject(s): Fables; Allegories THE OWL AND THE NIGHTINGALE, by EDWARD MOORE (1712-1757) Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: To know the mistress' humour right Last Line: An owl is scorn'd alike by both.' Subject(s): Birds; Fables; Housewives; Nightingales; Owls; Women; Allegories THE PARABLE, by ZUELLA STERLING Poem Text First Line: If thou hast money for two loaves of bread Last Line: While golden daffodils delight the soul. Subject(s): Fables; Life; Prophecy & Prophets; Soul; Allegories THE PARALLEL, by MATTHEW PRIOR Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Prometheus, forming mr day Last Line: To prove all poetry but fable. Subject(s): Fables; God; Prometheus; Soul; Allegories THE PARROT AND THE EAGLE, by JOHN COWPER POWYS Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: A parrot to an eagle came Last Line: "to learn to be afraid." Subject(s): Birds; Eagles; Fables; Flight; Parrots; Allegories; Flying THE PROUD FROG, by GAIUS JULIUS PHAEDRUS Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: When poor men to expences run Last Line: She raged and puffed, and burst in two. Subject(s): Animals; Fables; Frogs; Pride; Size And Shape; Allegories; Self-esteem; Self-respect THE RAT WHO WITHDREW FROM THE WORLD, by JEAN DE LA FONTAINE Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet's Biography First Line: Among levantine legends you maye find Last Line: For I take it a monk is all loving charity. Subject(s): Fables; Rats; Solitude; Allegories; Loneliness THE SPARROW AND THE DOVE, by EDWARD MOORE (1712-1757) Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: It was, as learn'd traditions say Last Line: And, sighing to himself, withdrew. Subject(s): Doves; Fables; Sparrows; Women; Allegories THE SWALLOW, by CHARLOTTE SMITH Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The gorse is yellow on the heath Last Line: By him who gives her laws. Alternate Author Name(s): Smith, Charlotte Turner Subject(s): Fables; Swallows; Allegories THE SYCOPHANTIC FOX AND THE GULLIBLE RAVEN, by GUY WETMORE CARRYL Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: A raven sat upon a tree Last Line: The fox is after dinner, too. Subject(s): Fables THE TRUANT DOVE FROM PILPAY, by CHARLOTTE SMITH Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: A mountain stream its channel deep Last Line: "so love your wife, and know when you are well." Alternate Author Name(s): Smith, Charlotte Turner Subject(s): Fables; Pigeons; Allegories THE TURTLE AND SPARROW, by MATTHEW PRIOR Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet's Biography First Line: Behind an unfrequented glade Last Line: And knaves and prudes are six times married. Subject(s): Animals; Death; Fables; Grief; Sparrows; Turtles; Dead, The; Allegories; Sorrow; Sadness; Tortoises THE TWO GLASSES, by ELLA WHEELER WILCOX Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: There sat two glasses filled to the brim Last Line: On the rich man's table, rim to rim. Alternate Author Name(s): Wilson, Robert, Mrs. Subject(s): Cups; Drinks & Drinking; Fables; Water; Wealth; Wine; Allegories; Riches; Fortunes THE WEATHER-PROPHET; A FABLE, by CHRISTOPHER PEARSE CRANCH Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet's Biography First Line: What can be the matter with the thermometer? Last Line: Thinks his own mood is the mind of humanity. Subject(s): Fables; Prophecy & Prophets; Weather; Allegories THE WIDOW AND HER CAT, by MATTHEW PRIOR Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: A widow kept a favourite cat Last Line: Here, towzer! -- do him justice.' Subject(s): Animals; Cats; Fables; Honor; Mice; Widows & Widowers; Allegories THE WIFE OF BATH HER TALE, by GEOFFREY CHAUCER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: In days of old, when arthur filled the throne Last Line: Who will not well be govern'd by their wives. Variant Title(s): Fables Ancient And Modern: The Wife Of Bath Her Tale Subject(s): Arthurian Legend; Chaucer, Geoffrey (1342-1400); Fables; Knights & Knighthood; Rape; Women; Arthur, King; Allegories THE WOLF AND THE DOG, by JEAN DE LA FONTAINE Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet's Biography First Line: A prowling wolf, whose shaggy skin Last Line: So ran sir wolf, and runneth yet. Subject(s): Fables; Freedom; Allegories; Liberty THE WOLF AND WOODEN BEAUTY. AN OLD FABLE NEWLY VAMPED, by ROYALL TYLER Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Once on a time a wolf did pop Last Line: Think of the wolf and carver's shop. Alternate Author Name(s): Old Simon; S. Subject(s): Fables; Wolves; Allegories THE YOUNG LION AND THE APE, by EDWARD MOORE (1712-1757) Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Tis true I blame your lover's choice Last Line: And pays with interest scorn for scorn.' Subject(s): Animals; Apes; Beauty; Charm; Fables; Lions; Women; Gorillas; Chimpanzees; Gibbons; Orangutans; Allegories THEODORE AND HONORIA, by GIOVANNI BOCCACCIO Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Of all the cities in romanian lands Last Line: For one fair female, lost him half the kind. Variant Title(s): Ravenna Subject(s): Boccaccio, Giovanni (1313-1375); Fables; Knights & Knighthood; Nature; Romania; Allegories; Rumania; Roumania TIME, REAL AND IMAGINARY; AN ALLEGORY, by SAMUEL TAYLOR COLERIDGE Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: On the wide level of a mountain's head Last Line: And knows not whether he be first or last. Subject(s): Fables; Time; Allegories TO RIGHT HONORABLE THE LORD VISCOUNT MONT-CASSEL, by THOMAS SHERIDAN (1687-1738) Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: A peacock nobly born and bred Last Line: With honor live, with honor die. Subject(s): Advice; Fables; Mountcashel, Edward. Viscount (1711-36); Allegories TO THE CHILDREN, by IGNACY KRASICKI Poem Source First Line: You have cast aside every good grace Last Line: Listen my children to the fables I bear Subject(s): Fables TO THE DUCHESS OF ORMOND, WITH THE POEM 'PALAMON AND ARCITE', by JOHN DRYDEN Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Madam, / the bard who first adorned our native tongue Last Line: And wear the garter of his mother's race. Variant Title(s): Fables Ancient And Modern: To Her Grace The Duchess Of Ormonde Subject(s): Beauty; Chaucer, Geoffrey (1342-1400); Fables; Somerset, Mary. Duchess Of Ormond; Thebes, Greece; Allegories TORRENT AND THE RIVULET, by JEAN DE LA FONTAINE Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: The country trembled far and wide Last Line: Dangerous, they, much though their look belie it Subject(s): Fables TRAVELER, by IGNACY KRASICKI Poem Source First Line: An arab, left in the steppe without quarter Last Line: It only has diamonds, I thought it had grain! Subject(s): Fables TREASURE AND THE TWO MEN, by JEAN DE LA FONTAINE Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: A man in dire distress pecuniary Last Line: No matter. Either one would do Subject(s): Fables TRUTH AND FALSEHOOD, by MATTHEW PRIOR Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Once on a time, in sunshine weather Last Line: Beloved by all who truth revere. Subject(s): Fables; Nudity; Nymphs; Truth; Allegories; Nakedness TURTLE AND THE MOUSE, by IGNACY KRASICKI Poem Source First Line: The mouse pitied the turtle for being forced to dwell Last Line: My house may not be splendid, but at least it's mine Subject(s): Fables TWO BULLS AND A FROG, by JEAN DE LA FONTAINE Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: A pair of amorous bulls stood vying Subject(s): Fables TWO COCKS, by JEAN DE LA FONTAINE Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Two cocks had lived in peace; but then Last Line: Often destroys us though we've won the battle Subject(s): Fables TWO DOGS, by IGNACY KRASICKI Poem Source First Line: The watchdog asked the fat little pug Last Line: For you were merely born to serve %but I to entertain Subject(s): Fables TWO DOVES ONCE CHERISHED FOR EACH OTHER, by JEAN DE LA FONTAINE Poem Source Poet's Biography Subject(s): Fables VISIONS OF THE WORLDS VANITIE, by EDMUND SPENSER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: One day, whiles that my daylie cares did sleepe Last Line: Shall finde his state most fickle and unsure. Alternate Author Name(s): Clout, Colin Subject(s): Fables; Allegories VULTURES AND THE PIGEONS, by JEAN DE LA FONTAINE Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Mars once - back when the world was young Last Line: A passing thought...I'll say no more Subject(s): Fables WHALE, by UNKNOWN Poem Source First Line: Now I will fashion the tale of a fish Last Line: And have his bliss and blessedness for ever! Subject(s): Fables; Whales WHEN THE CAT IS AWAY, THE MICE MAY PLAY, by MATTHEW PRIOR Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: A lady once (so stories say Last Line: Lest she again repent it. Subject(s): Animals; Cats; Duplicity; Fables; Mice; Play; Deceit; Allegories WINE AND WATER, by IGNACY KRASICKI Poem Source First Line: Wine once addressed water, using these boastful words Last Line: If peasants didn't give them what comes from drinking me Subject(s): Fables WOLF AND THE HOUND, by JEAN DE LA FONTAINE Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: A wolf there was, grown wan and thin Last Line: Whereat our wolf went running off. He's running still Subject(s): Fables WOLF AND THE LAMB, by JEAN DE LA FONTAINE Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: That innocence is not a shield Subject(s): Fables WOLF AND THE SHEEP (1), by IGNACY KRASICKI Poem Source First Line: Patience and forgiveness have fallen to our station Last Line: He gave an explanation -- and always ate his fill Subject(s): Fables WOLF AND THE SHEEP (2), by IGNACY KRASICKI Poem Source First Line: The wary wolf was overcome by a hunger fit Last Line: Then slaughtered and devoured all the stupid sheep Subject(s): Fables WOLF CUB, by IGNACY KRASICKI Poem Source First Line: A wolf cub was raised to be polite Last Line: It's easy to continue, once you begin Subject(s): Fables WOLF CUBS, by IGNACY KRASICKI Poem Source First Line: One spotted, one black, and the littlest gray Last Line: And the furrier will say whose coat is best Subject(s): Fables WOODLAND ALLEGORY, by TAYLOR GRAHAM Poem Source First Line: What a sudden clearing Last Line: And left, in a heap for burning, %a history of leaves Subject(s): Fables; Forests YOUNG WIDOW, by JEAN DE LA FONTAINE Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: When woman loses mate, how many a sigh!. Subject(s): Fables |
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