The Trees Under The Protection Of The Gods
The Gods, according to an ancient legend, made choice of certain trees
to be under their special protection. Jupiter chose the oak, Venus
the myrtle, Apollo the laurel, Cybele the pine, and Hercules the poplar.
Minerva, wondering why they had preferred trees not yielding fruit,
inquired the reason for their choice. Jupiter replied, "It is lest
we should seem to covet the honor for the fruit." But said Minerva,
"Let anyone say what he will the olive is more dear to me on account
of its fruit." Then said Jupiter, "My daughter, you are rightly called
wise; for unless what we do is useful, the glory of it is vain."
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