The Poetry Corner

The Wolf And The Stork.

By Jean de La Fontaine

[1] The wolves are prone to play the glutton. One, at a certain feast, 'tis said, So stuff'd himself with lamb and mutton, He seem'd but little short of dead. Deep in his throat a bone stuck fast. Well for this wolf, who could not speak, That soon a stork quite near him pass'd. By signs invited, with her beak The bone she drew With slight ado, And for this skilful surgery Demanded, modestly, her fee. 'Your fee!' replied the wolf, In accents rather gruff; 'And is it not enough Your neck is safe from such a gulf? Go, for a wretch ingrate, Nor tempt again your fate!'