ApolloWho lists may hear Apollo’s soothfast redeOf stiff debate, heroic challenge ringing.Shrill, and each headpiece lined with fence of proof..Alternate clack the strokes in whirling strife;.Sore buffeted, quakes and shivers heart of oak..But when grasshopper feels the vulture’s talons,.Then the storm-boding ravens croak their last,.Prevail the mules, butts his swift foals the ass..

Zeus Why that ribald laughter, Momus? It is no laughing matter. Stop, stop, fool; you'll choke yourself.

Momus Well, such a clear simple oracle puts one in spirits.

Zeus Indeed? Then perhaps you will kindly expound it.

Momus No need of a Themistocles this time; it is absolutely plain. The oracle just says in so many words that he is a quack, and we pack-asses (quite true) and mules to believe in him; we have not as much sense, it adds, as a grasshopper.