University of Virginia Library


226

FABLE XXIII. The Farmer and Jupiter.

The Man to Jove did thus apply.
O give me Heirs, or else I die!—
Three Years roll round.—Two hopeful Boys,
And a young Girl, reward his Joys.—
Once more he cry'd, approve my Pray'r.—
Let them be wealthy, great, and fair.—
Jove nods Assent; and soon the first
Grows rich, but is with Av'rice curst.
The next attains the Height of Place,
But falls the Victim of Disgrace.
The Girl is blest with sparkling Eyes,
But proud, a Virgin lives and dies.
When Jove the Father's Grief survey'd,
And heard him rail at Heav'n, he said;
“Seek Virtue;—and of that possest,
“Henceforth to Me resign the rest.