Jupiter had a farm to give away; Mercury told the world the chosen day. The people came to offer, rough they were, And listened grimly. One said it was bare And stubborn land; another half agreed. While they thus haggled, churlishly indeed, One bolder than the rest--but wiser?--no-- Consents to take it, if Jove only grant The climate that he wishes; he will plant, And sow, and reap, if but the heat and cold May come and go, like slaves, as they are told. The seasons wait his nod: the wet and dry Obey his bidding from a servile sky. Jove grants his wish--our foolish fellow sways His sceptre bravely--rains and blows for days; Makes his own climate just as he may please: His neighbours, no more than Antipodes, Share his good weather. Still as well they fare; Their barns are teeming full; but his art bare. The next year quite a change; another way He sets the seasons, watching day by day: Still, there's some flaw--his crops are thin and poor, While loaded waggons crowd his neighbour's door. What can he do?--he falls before Jove's throne, Confesses all his folly: he alone Has been to blame. Jove, with much gentleness, Like a mild master, pities his distress. It is agreed that Providence is kind, And knows far better than a human mind What's good for us, and calmly bids us do it: We seldom see our way till we are through it. FABLE CVIII. THE STAG VIEWING HIMSELF IN THE STREAM. Beside a fountain in the wood A royal Stag admiring stood: His antlers pleased him well. But one thing vexed him to the heart: His slender legs ill matched the part On which he loved to dwell. "Nature has shaped them ill," said he, Watching their shadows peevishly: "Here is a disproportion! My horns rise branching, tall, and proud; My legs disgrace them, 'tis allowed, And are but an abortion." [Illustration: THE STAG VIEWING HIMSELF IN THE STREAM.] Just then a deer-hound frightened him, And lent a wing to every limb. O'er bush and brake--he's off! At those adornments on his brow The foolish creature praised just now He soon begins to scoff. Upon his legs his life depends: They are his best and only friends. He unsays every word, And curses Heaven, that has sent A dangerous gift. We all repent Speeches that are absurd. We prize too much the beautiful, And useful things spurn (as a rule); Yet fast will beauty fleet. The Stag admired the antlers high, That brought him into jeopardy, And blamed his kindly feet. FABLE CIX. THE COCKEREL, THE CAT, AND THE LITTLE RAT.