Evening Republican, Volume 23, Number 213, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 3 September 1920 — Fontaine [ARTICLE]

Fontaine

Chateau-Thierry, that place which played such a prominent part in the world war, was the birthplace of Jean De Da Fontaine, who entered this world oh July 8, 1621. • He was of a good family and, like many other youths of his station, was educated for the priesthood. But the profession of a cleric was not to the liking of the dreamy, irresponsible boy, which characteristics he carried throughout his life. So, forsaking his career laid ont by his parents, he became a happy-go-lucky Idler until his poetic talent was awakened and he began to write. In his last years he became, sincerely reH « ,on iB- - has been termed a spoiled child of nature; simple, guileless, and exasperating to his friends, who tolerated his Shortcomings because of their love for him. .. .. The permanent value of his work In the development of French literature, especially through the fables, was early recognized. Tn mind he is akin to Moliere, and with him these two men are the most wisely liked French writers of the seventeenth century.