Creighton University

This rendition of the fable is more active than some others.  The satyr is actively dispelling the visitor or, perhaps more accurately, warding him off from his children and wife.  The attractive woman balances the male satyr nicely.  I cannot tell whether we are in a cave or a woods: perhaps that is the point!

The accompanying text helps interpret the scene.  It begins “The young coxcomb who lurks in the background of this scene, with his glass stuck in his right eye for a seemingly indifferent look at the girls, seated with their papa under the leafy vine, may affected to hide his disappointment at not finding one or other alone.  But we shall not be deceived by this flippant behaviour on his part….”

This rendition of MSA seems very familiar.  A group of women criticize the adult miller for making his son walk beside his mount.  The son is here propped up with a stick.  The following page quotes a 16^th century version of the fable, concluding with "Ne nous en chaille, mais faisons toujours ce qui'il est bon de faire."  The article then asks "Ne trouvez-vous pas cette conclusion superior a celle de La Fontaine?"  La Fontaine's miller decides to please himself.

This large illustration tells the fable, with La Fontaine's verse, through three top and three bottom cartoon panels.  At the center, flanked by the fable's two animals, are two men.  The fox on the right is perhaps cajoling the rustic to vote as the fox wants.  This human fox has in his pocket the book "Profession of Faith: Citizens."  The rustic holds a flier "Bulletin de Vote."

In this version, “the old man, mad and tired with trying to please everybody, threw the ass into the river.”  Were these colors originally sharper?

This is a dramatic one-picture presentation of a great story!  There are surprise and wonder on the humans’ faces; there may be a trace of animosity and anger on the donkey’s face.  The rainbow background fits the loud presentation well.  The rhythms and rhymes in the couplets are sometimes forced, but the story goes through a good progression.  Here the son is the first rider, and that opens up a chance for him to jump down generously when he is criticized.  This version ends with a moral: “Well, that is all; the story’s done.  You see, you can’t please everyone.  It’s best to do with all your might Just what you think yourself is right.”

Do I understand the cartoon correctly, that racing slow and steady means taking the subway, while hailing a cab is the hare’s way?  And will the hare sleep in the cab?  Or will a cab never come?