“One goose they had (’twas all they could allow), A wakeful sentry, and on duty now, Whom to the gods for sacrifice they vow: Her with malicious zeal the couple view’d; She ran for life, and limping they pursued: Full well the fowl perceived their bad intent, And would not make her master’s compliment; But persecuted, to the powers she flies, And close between the legs of Jove she lies: He with a gracious ear the suppliant heard, And saved her life; then what he has declared, And own’d the god. ‘The neighbourhood,’ said he, ‘Shall justly perish for impiety: You stand alone exempted; but obey With speed, and follow where we lead the way: Leave these accursed, and to the mountain’s height Ascend, nor once look backward in your flight.’