The Elephant And Jupiter's Ape (prose Fable) Poem Rhyme Scheme and Analysis
Rhyme Scheme: A B C D E F G H I J| Once in the olden times the elephant and the rhinoceros disputed as to which was the more important and which should therefore have empire over the other animals They decided to settle the point by battle in an enclosed field | A |
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| The day was fixed and all in readiness when somebody came and informed them that Jupiter's ape bearing a caduceus had been seen in the air The fact of his holding a caduceus proved him to be acting as official messenger from Olympus and the elephant immediately took it for granted that the ape came as ambassador with greetings to his highness Elated with this idea he waited for Gille for that was the name of the ape and thought him rather tardy in presenting his credentials But at length Master Gille did salute his excellency as he passed and the elephant prepared himself for the message But not a word was forthcoming | B |
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| It was evident that the gods were not giving so much attention to these matters as the elephant supposed | C |
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| What does it matter to those in high places whether one is an elephant or a fly | D |
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| The would be monarch was reduced to the necessity of opening the conversation himself My cousin Jupiter he began will soon be able to watch a rather fine combat from his supreme throne and his court will see some splendid sport | E |
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| What combat asked the ape rather severely | F |
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| What Do you not know that the rhinoceros denies me precedence that the Elephantid are at war with the Rhinocerotid You surely know these families they have some reputation | G |
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| I am charmed to learn their names replied Master Gille We are little concerned about such matters in our vast halls | H |
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| This shamed and surprised the elephant Eh What then is the reason of your visit amongst us | I |
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| Oh it was to divide a blade of grass between two ants We care for all As for your affair nothing has been said about it in the council of the gods The little and the great are equal in their eyes | J |
Jean De La Fontaine
(1)
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