The Gods Wishing To Instruct A Son Of Jupiter (prose Fable) Poem Rhyme Scheme and Analysis
Rhyme Scheme: A B C D E F G D H| Jupiter had a son who sensible of his lofty origin showed always a god like spirit Childhood is not much concerned with loving yet to the childhood of this young god loving and wishing to be loved was the chief concern In him love and reason which grow with years outraced Time that light winged bearer of the seasons which come alas only too quickly | A |
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| Flora with laughing looks and winning airs was the first to touch the heart of the youthful Olympian Everything that passion could inspire delicate sentiments full of tenderness tears and sighs all were there he forgot nothing As a son of Jupiter he would by right of birth be dowered with greater gifts than the sons of other gods and it seemed as though all his behaviour were prompted by the reminiscence that he had indeed already been a lover in some former state so well did he play the part | B |
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| Nevertheless it was Jupiter's wish that the boy should be taught and assembling the gods in council he said So far I have never been at fault in the conduct of the universe which I have ruled unaided but there are various charges which I now have decided to distribute amongst the younger gods This beloved child of mine I have already counted upon He is of my own blood and many an altar already flames in his honour Yet to merit his rank among the immortals it is necessary that he should possess all knowledge | C |
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| As the god of the thunders ceased the whole assembly applauded As for the boy himself he did not appear to be above the wish to learn everything | D |
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| I undertake said Mars the god of war to teach him the art by which so many heroes have won the glories of Olympus and extended the empire | E |
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| I will be his master in the art of the lyre promised the fair and learned Apollo | F |
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| And I said Hercules with the lion's skin will teach him how to overcome Vice and quell evil passions those poisonous monsters which like Hydras are ever reborn in the heart A foe to effeminate pleasures he shall learn from me those too seldom trodden paths that lead to honour along the tracks of virtue | G |
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| When it came to Cupid the god of love to speak he simply said I can show him everything | D |
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| And Cupid was right for what cannot be achieved with wit and the desire to please | H |
Jean De La Fontaine
(1)
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