Classic Poem

Were you, great Sire, from heaven to reclaim
All you have given, a creditor in name,
Though great Olympus were put up for sale
And the gods auctioned, naught would it avail —
Atlas would bankrupt go, nor Tonans get
A shilling in the pound to pay his debt.
How could he settle for the Capitol
Or for his shrine with oak-leaf garlands full?
Pallas I leave; she shares with you, we know:
But what must Juno for two temples owe?
And then the twins, Alcides and Apollo,
The Flavian chapel — and there's more to follow.
You must be patient, Sire, and wait your day:
Jove's coffers lack the wherewithal to pay.