The Priest and the Shepherd: An Imitation of a Greek Epigram

WHEN hungry wolves had trespass'd on the fold,
And the robb'd shepherd his sad story told ;
"Call in Alcides, said a crafty priest,
"Give him one half, and he'll secure the rest,"
No, said the shepherd, if the Fates decree,
Bv ravaging my flock to ruin me;
To their commands I willingly resign,
Pow'r is their character, and patience mine :
Tho', troth to me, there seems but little odds.
Who prove the greatest robbers, wolves or Gods ?