University of Virginia Library

THE WAGGONER AND JUPITER.

A LUCKLESS waggon roll'd into a slough—
Clod scratch'd his head, and growl'd, and knit his brow;
But what avail'd it?—Fast the waggon lay—
Now Clod imagin'd, like an idle lout,
A pray'r or two might help the pris'ner out;
Then unto Jupiter he howl'd away.
‘How now! you lazy lubber!’ cried the god—
‘Clap to the wheel your shoulder, Master Clod;
And, mind me, let your horses be well flogg'd.’—
Clod took th' advice, exerted all his strength:
The waggon mov'd, and mov'd; and lo, at length,
Forc'd from the quagmire, on again it jogg'd.

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Such is the simple tale, O man of God!
Go thou, and imitate the bumpkin Clod.
I do not call your holiness a lubber;
But let me tell thee, in an easy way,
Contrive with skill this game of saints to play;
Thou'lt beat thy ancestors, and win the rubber.