They add that, for this meritorious act, Prome-
theus was repayed with ingratitude by mankind, so
that, forming a conspiracy, they arraigned both him
and his invention before Jupiter. But the matter
was otherwise received than they imagined; for
the accusation proved extremely grateful to Jupiter
and the gods, insomuch that, delighted with the
action, they not only indulged mankind the use
of fire, but moreover conferred upon them a most
acceptable and desirable present, viz: perpetual
youth.
But men, foolishly overjoyed hereat, laid this
present of the gods upon an ass, who, in returning
back with it, being extremely thirsty, strayed to a
fountain. The serpent, who was guardian thereof,
would not suffer him to drink, but upon condition
of receiving the burden he carried, whatever it
should be. The silly ass complied, and thus the
perpetual renewal of youth was, for a drop of water,
transferred from men to the race of serpents.
Prometheus, not desisting from his unwarrant-
able practices, though now reconciled to mankind,
after they were thus tricked of their present, but
still continuing inveterate against Jupiter, had the
boldness to attempt deceit, even in a sacrifice, and
is said to have once offered up two bulls to Jupiter,
but BO as in the hide of one of them to wrap all the
flesh and fat of both, and stuffing out the other hide



PROMETHEUS, OR THE STATE OF MAN. 393

only with the bones ; then, in a religious and devout
manner, gave Jupiter his choice of the two. Jupiter,
detesting this sly fraud and hypocrisy, but having
thus an opportunity of punishing the oflFender, pur-
posely chose the mock bull.
