Classic Poem

For some few thousands Jupiter I prayed —
" Who gave me temples, he will give" — he said.
Temples he gave to Jupiter: to me
Naught did he give. I sinned through modesty
And asked too little. Yet my humble screed
With what a gentle visage did he read.
So looked he when he crowns to Dacians sent
Or down the Sacred Way in triumph went.
Tell me, O maid, who dost his secrets know,
How says he " yes," when thus he answers " no"? —
Thus I; and thus, her Gorgon laid aside,
Pallas — " A gift deferred is not denied."