University of Virginia Library


113

The Priest and the Shepherd.

An Imitation OF A GREEK EPIGRAM.

When hungry wolves had trespass'd on the fold,
And the robb'd shepherd his sad story told;
“Call in Alcides, said a crafty priest,
“Give him one half, and he'll secure the rest.”
No, said the shepherd, if the Fates decree,
By ravaging my flock to ruin me;
To their commands I willingly resign,
Pow'r is their character, and patience mine:
Tho', troth to me, there seems but little odds,
Who prove the greatest robbers, wolves or Gods?