The gods our perils would make wealthy, If we our vows remembered, when once made. But, dangers passed, and we, all safe and healthy, Forget the promises on altars laid; We only think of what we owe to men. Jove, says the atheist, is a creditor Who never sends out bailiffs; if so, then What is the thunder meant as warning for? A Passenger, in tempest tossed and rolled, To Jupiter a hundred oxen offered. He hadn't one; had he been only bold, A hundred elephants he would have proffered: They'd cost him not a single farthing more. Suddenly mounted unto great Jove's nose The scent of beef bones burnt upon the shore. "Accept my promised vow," the rascal crows; "'Tis ox you smell: the smoke is all for thee: Now we are quits." Jove smiled a bitter smile; But, some days after, sent a dream, to be The recompense of that man's wicked guile. The dream informed him where a treasure lay: The man ran to it, like a moth to flame. Some robbers seized him. Having nought to pay, He promised them at once, if they but came Where he'd a hundred talents of good gold. The place, far off, pleased not the wary thieves; And one man said, "My comrade, I am told You mock us; and he dies, whoe'er deceives. Go and take Pluto, for an offering, Your hundred talents: they will please the king." [Illustration: JUPITER AND THE TRAVELLER.] FABLE CLXXV. THE APE AND THE LEOPARD.