Jupiter and a Serpent
Jupiter had Presents made him upon his Wedding-Day, greater or
less, from all living Creatures. A Serpent brought him a Rose
in his Mouth for an Offering. The thing was acceptable enough,
but not the Presenter; for (says Jupiter) though Gifts are welcome
to me, of themselves, I must not yet receive any from a Serpent.
He that receives a Present, contracts an Obligation; which a Body
would be asham'd of in the Case of an ill Man; for it looks towards
making a Friendship with them.