The restless youth search’d all the world around; But how can Jove in his amours be found? When, tired at length with unsuccessful toil, To shun his angry sire and native soil, He goes a suppliant to the Delphic dame; There asks the god what new-appointed home Should end his wand’rings, and his toil relieve. The Delphic oracles this answer give:

“Behold among the fields a lonely cow, Unworn with yokes, unbroken to the plough: Mark well the place where first she lays her down, There measure out thy walls, and build thy town; And from the guide Boeotia call the land, In which the destined walls and town shall stand.”