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.