FAB. XXXVIII. Iupiter and Minerva.
THE Gods met in a Wood, and several Trees
Appropriated to their Deities.
Iove chose the Oak, Mirtle the Cyprian Queen,
The God of Wit, the Laurel ever green;
The Poplar Hercules, Neptune the Pine.
Pallas admird to see the Gods reject
Those that bore Fruit, and barren Trees Elect.
And askd the reason of her Father Iove,
We do't, said he, lest we should be esteemd,
To sell the Honours which we freely give.
She answerd, you may, Sirs, do as you please,
I choose the Olive for its useful Fruit.
Iove kissd his Daughter, and replyd, thou'rt wise,
Thou art the genuine Offspring of my Brain.
The MORAL.
For all unprofitable Glory's vain.