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Horses were not born for men in any age.
When the human race was content with acorns,
Donkey, Horse, and Mule dwelt in the forests;
And one did not see, as in the age we live in,
So many saddles and so many packs,
So many harnesses for battles,
So many chairs, so many carriages,
Just as one did not see
So many feasts and so many weddings.
Now a Horse then had a dispute
With a Stag full of speed,
And unable to catch him by running,
He had recourse to Man, implored his skill.
Man put a bridle on him, leapt on his back,
Gave him no rest
Until the Stag was caught, and left his life there;
And that done, the Horse thanks
Man his benefactor, saying: I am yours;
Farewell. I return to my wild dwelling.
– Not so, said Man; it is better with us:
I see too well what your use is.
Stay then; you will be well treated.
And up to the belly in the litter.
Alas! what good is fine fare
When one does not have liberty?
The Horse realized he had done a folly;
But it was no longer time: already his stable
Was ready and all built.
He died there dragging his halter.
Wise if he had forgiven a slight offense.
Whatever pleasure vengeance may cause,
It is bought too dear, to buy it with a good
Without which all others are nothing.
Jean de La Fontaine
Translation generated by Poésies 123 with assistance from the deepseek-chat artificial-intelligence model.
Text published on Poésies 123: https://www.poesies123.com/en/fable-the-horse-wishing-to-be-revenged-on-the-stag-jean-de-la-fontaine/