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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

A GREEK EPIGRAM IMITATED by MATTHEW PRIOR

First Line: WHEN HUNGRY WOLVES HAD TRESPASSED ON THE FOLD
Last Line: WHO PROVE THE GREATEST ROBBERS, WOLVES OR GODS!
Subject(s): FATES (MYTHOLOGY); WOLVES;
WHEN hungry wolves had trespassed on the fold,
And the robbed shepherd his sad story told,
'Call in Alcides,' said a crafty priest;
'Give him one half, and he'll secure the rest.'
No! said the shepherd, if the Fates decree,
By ravaging my flock, to ruin me,
To their commands I willingly resign,
Power is their character, and patience mine;
Though, troth! to me there seems but little odds,
Who prove the greatest robbers, wolves or gods!



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