A sheep, suffering constant harm from other animals, came before Jupiter and begged for relief from his misery.
Jupiter, appearing willing, said, "I see plainly, my pious creature, that I created you too defenseless. Now choose how I should remedy this. Shall I arm your jaws with terrible fangs and your feet with claws?"
"Oh, no!" exclaimed the sheep. "I will have nothing in common with beasts of prey."
"Or," said Jupiter, "shall I make your bite poisonous?"
"Alas!" replied the sheep. "The poisonous snakes are so sadly detested."
"Well, what shall I do? Shall I plant horns on your forehead and give strength to your neck?"
"Not that either, gracious father; I would then butt like the goat."
"But you would be able to injure others," said Jupiter, "if I gave you the means to defend yourself."
"Should I, indeed?" sighed the sheep. "Oh, then leave me as I am, merciful father. I fear the power to injure would awaken the desire to do so. It is better to suffer harm than to inflict it."
Jupiter blessed the pious sheep, who from that moment ceased his complaints.