When hungry wolves had trespass'd on the fold, <br />And the robb'd shepherd his sad story told, <br />'Call in Alcides,' said a crafty priest, <br />'Give him one half and he'll secure the rest.' <br />No, said the shepherd, if the Fates decree, <br />By ravaging my flock to ruin me, <br />To their commands I willingly resign, <br />Power is their character, and patience mine; <br />Though troth, to me there seems but little odds <br />Who prove the greatest robbers - wolves or gods.<br /><br />Matthew Prior<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-honest-shepherd/
