_Jupiter_ and a _Herds-Man_.
A _Herds-man_ that had lost a Calf out of his Grounds, sent up and down
after it; and when he could get No Tydings on’t, he betook himself at
last to his Prayers, according to the Custom of the World, when People
are brought to a Forc’d-Put. Great _Jupiter_ (says he) Do but shew me the
_Thief_ that stole my Calf, and I’ll give thee a Kid for a Sacrifice. The
Word was no sooner pass’d; but the _Thief_ appear’d; which was indeed
a _Lyon_. This Discovery put him to his Prayers once again. I have not
forgotten my Vow, says he, but now thou hast brought me to the _Thief_,
I’ll make That _Kid_ a _Bull_, if thou’lt but set me Quit of him again.
The MORAL.
_We cannot be too Careful, and Considerate what Vows, and Promises we
make; for the very Granting of our Prayers turns many times to our Utter
Ruine._