Tales and Novels of J. de La Fontaine — Volume 23

Within this lively volume, three distinct fables unfold, each steeped in the wit and lyricism of a 17th‑century French storyteller. The pieces wander from the banks of the Scamander to the corridors of subtle intrigue, offering both gentle satire and a reverent nod to classical myth. Readers will encounter a mischievous confidant who unknowingly unravels secrets, and a rib‑tickling vignette about a medicinal clyster, all rendered in playful verse and prose.

The opening tale follows Cymon, a curious traveler who chases a shepherdess along the sparkling Scamander River. When she pauses to bathe, the waters themselves seem to court her, and the young hero must navigate a delicate dance of divine mischief, charming deities, and his own sudden boldness. The narrative blends romantic longing with light‑hearted commentary on vanity and the caprices of the gods, inviting listeners to linger on the lyrical description of the river’s glittering realm.