In. O that I knew where I might counsel find,

That one were sent, nay, were’t the least of all

The myriad messengers of heaven, to me! 662

One that should say ’This morn I stood with Zeus,

He hath heard thy prayer and sent me: ask a boon,

What thing thou wilt, it shall be given thee.’

Pr. What wouldst thou say to such a messenger?

In. No need to ask then what I now might ask,

How ’tis the gods, if they have care for mortals,

Slubber our worst necessities—and the boon,