The Two Dogs and the Dead Ass

by Jean de La Fontaine

Genre: Fairy Tale, Fantasy, Young Audiences
Setting: Fantasy
Format of Original Source: Fable
Recommended Adaptation Length: 10 Minutes

Candidate for Adaptation? Not Reviewed

EXCERPT:

Two lean and hungry mastiffs once espied
A dead ass floating on a water wide.
The distance growing more and more,
Because the wind the carcass bore,–
“My friend,” said one, “your eyes are best;
Pray let them on the water rest:
What thing is that I seem to see?
An ox, or horse? what can it be?”
“Hey!” cried his mate; “what matter which,
Provided we could get a flitch?
It doubtless is our lawful prey:
The puzzle is to find some way
To get the prize; for wide the space
To swim, with wind against your face.

COMMENTS:

The translation is in verse; a head-start on lyrics.

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