Wearing a helmet with a feathery pinnacle
On top, a disciple of the late Vatel
In the backyard of this vast mansion
Had with his dogs a conversation:
I have thought a lot about you, he said.
I love you very much and I am glad
To give you the remainders of the kitchen:
It is this bone, this beautiful chewing
Bone. But only one of you will have the great honor.
I am fair and will give it to the one that deserves the favor.
The contest is open; you may defend your rights at once.
A funny little dog, famous amongst the skillful ones,
Formerly the first among the canine troop,
Immediately starts his trickery and by
Looking at the others with his triumphant eyes,
He barks, pretends to be dead and salutes his owner.
A big watchdog then exclaimed at the offender:
“What is the point of such a display?
I always watch over this big estate.
My Lord please do not forget that not long
Ago a stupid thief ended up in my fangs!”
A little dog then said: Valiantly and without an error
For ten years I have been turning your skewer
And for ten years I have been carrying your bag
To buy tobacco at the corner shop.
“But I, howled Tayaut, I love the trumpets and the drums;
When we hunt I am always ahead of these bums!
You owe me at least twenty foxes and a hundred rabbits;
I am sober and obedient. I never devour the bird that is trapped.
The one who finally chewed the bone was an old basset hound,
Like a congressman always in the center.
He did not think twice and before the big crowd
He crawled on the legs of his owner,
Licked his feet until the struggle was over.
Bassets of grand lords, heroes of cafeterias,
Vile adulators, your story is here.
