Jean DE LA FONTAINE, (1621-1695), This great French poet who was born in Chateau-Thiérry was a protégé of Fouquet. Failing to obtain patronage from Louis XIV, who disliked him, he was supported by the dowager duchess of Orleans, Madame la Sablière and Monsieur and Madame d'Hervart. At Fouquet's demise, he published the Elegy to the Nymphs of Vaux, remaining a courageous supporter of the friend who had been instrumental in encouraging his career as a poet.

His verse Contes or 'Tales' had already made him a celebrity by the time his Fables came out between 1668 and 1694. These telling observations of life almost always end with a lucid remark founded on good sense; the fables are so widespread now, they serve as proverbs. He was a sensual man who was fond of chaste pastorals, fickle despite his praise of faithfulness. He was a courtier who all the same, could be a sincere friend; his life mirrored his creative work, in its perfect combination of naturalness and art.