The Satyr and the Passer-by

"The Satyr and the Passer-by" is a collection of fables, allegories, and tales by Jean de La Fontaine. In this work, La Fontaine explores the complex nature of human beings as he weaves narratives that reveal the quirks, flaws, strengths, and dualities of human character. The title story is a parable that uses the interaction between a satyr (a mythological being with human upper body and a goat’s lower half) and a passerby to convey moral or philosophical insights.

• Fable

								
A savage Satyr and his brood
Once took their lodgings and their food
Within a cavern deep and drear,
Which only very few came near.

The Satyr, with his sons and wife,
Led quite an unpretending life:
Good appetite supplies the place
Of luxuries in such a case.

A Traveller, who passed that way,
Entered the cave one rainy day;
The Satyr proved a friend in need.
By asking him to stop and feed.

The other, as 'twas pouring still,
Of course, accepted with a will:
And warmed his fingers with his breath,
For he was frozen half to death:

Upon the soup then breathed a bit
(The surest way of cooling it);
Meanwhile, his host in wonder sat,
And asked, "Pray, what's the good of that?"

"Breath cools my soup," his guest replied,
"And makes my fingers warm beside."
The Satyr answered, with a sneer,
"Then, we can do without you here.

"Beneath my roof you shall not sleep;
I scorn such company to keep.
All people in contempt I hold,
Who first blow hot, and then blow cold!"


								Rate this book:0.0 / 0 votes