The Trees and the Gods


3.17. THE TREES UNDER THE PROTECTION OF THE GODS. The Gods in days of yore made choice of such Trees as they wished to be under their protection. The Oak pleased Jupiter, the Myrtle Venus, the Laurel PhÅ“bus, the Pine Cybele, the lofty Poplar Hercules. Minerva, wondering why they had chosen the barren ones, enquired the reason. Jupiter answered: “That we may not seem to sell the honor for the fruit.”
“Now, so heaven help me,” said she, “let anyone say what he likes, but the Olive is more pleasing to me on account of its fruit.”
Then said the Father of the Gods and the Creator of men: “O daughter, it is with justice that you are called wise by all; unless what we do is useful, vain is our glory.”
This little Fable admonishes us to do nothing that is not profitable. [more info]

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