FABLES. 



2 4 I 



JUPITER AND PALLAS. 



ONCE upon a time, the Heathen Gods agreed to 

 adopt each a particular tree into their patronage. 

 Jupiter chose the Oak ; Venus was pleased to 

 name the Myrtle ; Apollo pitched upon the Laurel ; 

 Cybele took the Pine, and Hercules the Poplar. 

 Pallas being present, expressed her surprise at 

 their fancy, in making choice of trees that bore 

 nothing. Oh, says Jupiter, the reason of that is 

 plain enough, for we would not be thought to dis- 

 pense our favours with any mercenary view. You 

 may do as you please, says she, but let the Olive be 

 my tree ; and I declare my reason for choosing it is, 

 because it bears plenty of noble useful fruit. Upon 

 which the Thunderer, putting on a serious com- 

 posed gravity, spoke thus to the goddess: Indeed 

 daughter, it is not without cause that you are so 



VOL. IV. 



2 I 



