The Wolf Accusing The Fox Before The Monkey
Fable de Jean de la Fontaine
 Fables of la Fontaine > Book II > The Wolf Accusing The Fox Before The Monkey |
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| A wolf, affirming his belief That he had suffered by a thief, Brought up his neighbour fox Of whom it was by all confessed, His character was not the best To fill the prisoner's box. As judge between these vermin, A monkey graced the ermine; And truly other gifts of Themis Did scarcely seem his; For while each party plead his cause, Appealing boldly to the laws, And much the question vexed, Our monkey sat perplexed. Their words and wrath expended, Their strife at length was ended; When, by their malice taught, The judge this judgment brought: "Your characters, my friends, I long have known, As on this trial clearly shown; And hence I fine you both the grounds at large To state would little profit You wolf, in short, as bringing groundless charge, You fox, as guilty of it." Come at it right or wrong, the judge opined No other than a villain could be fined. |
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