The Hare And The Tortoise – Jean De La Fontaine Fables

I’ll run you a race if you dare.

Said the Tortoise one day to the Hare:

“I’ll run you a race if you dare. lt…

Quoth the Hare: “You are surely insane.
Pray, what has affected your brain?
You seem pretty sick.
Call a doctor in–quick,
And let him prescribe for your pain.”

“Never mind,” said the Tortoise. “Let’s run!
Will you bet me?” “Why, certainly.” “Done!”
While the slow Tortoise creeps
Mr. Hare makes four leaps,
And then loafs around in the sun.

It seemed such a one-sided race,
To win was almost a disgrace.
So he frolicked about
Then at last he set out–
As the Tortoise was as nearing the place.

Too late! Though he sped like a dart,
The Tortoise was first. She was smart:
“You can surely run fast,”
She remarked. “Yet you’re last.
It is better to get a good start.”

Fables in Rhyme for Little Folks
Adapted from the French of La Fontaine.
Written by, W. T. Larned
Illustrated by, John Rae.
New York, July 1918.

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