The FATHER & JUPITER, a Fable.
Know then this Truth, (enough for Man to know)
VIRTUE alone is happineſs below.
THE man to Jove his ſuit preferr'd;
He begg'd a wife; his prayer was heard,
Jove wonder'd at his bold addreſſing,
For how precarious is the bleſſing!
A wife he takes.And now for heirs
Again he worries heaven with prayers.
Jove nods aſſent.Two hopeful boys
And a fine girl reward his joys.
Now more ſolicitous he grew,
And ſet their future lives in view;
He ſaw that all reſpect and duty
Were paid to wealth, to pow'r and beauty.
Once more, he cries, accept my prayer.
Make my lov'd progeny thy care:
Let my firſt hope, my fav’rite boy,
All fortune's richeſt gift's enjoy.
My next with ſtrong ambition fire,
May favour teach him to aſpire,
'Till he the ſtep of power aſcend,
And courtiers to their idol bend.
With ev'ry grace, with every charm,
My daughter's perfect features arm.
If Heav'n approve, a father's bleft,
Jove ſmiles, and grants his full requeſt.
