Tales and novels of Jean de La Fontaine

PAINTER in Paphos and Cythera famed

Depict, I pray, the absent Iris’ face.

Thou hast not seen the lovely nymph I’ve named;

The better for thy peace.—Then will I trace

For thy instruction her transcendent grace.

Begin with lily white and blushing rose,

Take then the Loves and Graces . . . But what good

Words, idle words? for Beauty’s Goddess could

By Iris be replaced, nor one suppose

The secret fraud—their grace so equal shows.

Thou at Cythera couldst, at Paphos too,

Of the same Iris Venus form anew.