Page:Ovid's Metamorphoses (Vol. 1) - tr Garth, Dryden, et. al. (1727).djvu/56

xxxviii should be the enacting good Laws; that after a People are preserv'd from the Enemy; the next care shou'd be, to preserve them from themselves; and therefore the best Legislators deserve a Place amongst Heroes, and Deities.

From Ariadne being inhumanly deserted by Theseus, and generously receiv'd by Bacchus we find, that as there is nothing we can be sure of, so there is nothing we ought to despair of.

From Althea burning the Brand; that we shou'd take care least under the Notion of Justice, we shou'd do a Cruelty; for they that are set upon Revenge, only endeavour to imitate the Injury.

From Polyphemus making Love to Galatea one may observe, that the most deform'd can find something to like in their own Person. He examines his Face in the Stream, combs his ruful Locks with a Rake, grows more exact, and studious of his Dress, and discovers the first Sign of being in Love, by endeavouring at a more than usual Care to please.

The Fable of Cephalus, and Procrys confirms, that every Trifle contributes to heighten the Disease of Jealousy; and that the most convincing Proofs can scarce cure it.

From that of Hippomenes, and Atalanta we may discover, that a generous Present helps to persuade, as well as an agreeable Person.

From Medeas flying from Peliass Court; that the offer'd Favours of the Impious should be