[25] It is thought that La Fontaine owed somewhat of his idea of this fable to one of the poems of Louise Labbé, "the beautiful ropemaker," as she was called, who lived between 1526 and 1566. [26] This fable was first published in the collection of the "Works in Prose, and Verse of the Sieurs Maucroix and La Fontaine," issued by the joint authors in 1685. See, for M. de Maucroix, note to Fable I., Book III. XV.--THE RAVEN, THE GAZELLE, THE TORTOISE, AND THE RAT.[27] To Madame De La Sablière.[28] A temple I reserved you in my rhyme: It might not be completed but with time. Already its endurance I had grounded Upon this charming art, divinely founded; And on the name of that divinity For whom its adoration was to be. These words I should have written o'er its gate-- TO IRIS IS THIS PALACE CONSECRATE; Not her who served the queen divine; For Juno's self, and he who crown'd her bliss, Had thought it for their dignity, I wis, To bear the messages of mine. Within the dome the apotheosis Should greet th' enraptured sight-- All heaven, in pomp and order meet, Conducting Iris to her seat Beneath a canopy of light! The walls would amply serve to paint her life,-- A matter sweet, indeed, but little rife In those events, which, order'd by the Fates, Cause birth, or change, or overthrow of states. The innermost should hold her image,-- Her features, smiles, attractions there,-- Her art of pleasing without care,-- Her loveliness, that's sure of homage. Some mortals, kneeling at her feet,[29]-- Earth's noblest heroes,--should be seen; Ay, demigods, and even gods, I ween: (The worshipp'd of the world thinks meet, Sometimes her altar to perfume.) Her eyes, so far as that might be, Her soul's rich jewel should illume; Alas! but how imperfectly! For could a heart that throbb'd to bless Its friends with boundless tenderness,-- Or could that heaven-descended mind Which, in its matchless beauty, join'd The strength of man with woman's grace,-- Be given to sculptor to express? O Iris, who canst charm the soul-- Nay, bind it with supreme control,-- Whom as myself I can but love,-- (Nay, not that word: as I'm a man, Your court has placed it under ban, And we'll dismiss it,) pray approve My filling up this hasty plan! This sketch has here received a place, A simple anecdote to grace, Where friendship shows so sweet a face, That in its features you may find Somewhat accordant to your mind. Not that the tale may kings beseem; But he who winneth your esteem Is not a monarch placed above The need and influence of love, But simple mortal, void of crown,