Juppiter Tragoedus

Lucian of Samosata

The Works of Lucian of Samosata, complete, with exceptions specified in thepreface, Vol. 3. Fowler, H. W. and Fowlere, F.G., translators. Oxford at the Clarendon Press, 1905.

Apollo

Who lists may hear Apollo’s soothfast rede

Of 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.

v.3.p.95

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.