The Flea and The Wrestler

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The Flea and The Wrestler

We petition gods for minor matters, yet take offence if such petitions are not granted.

Townsend version

A flea settled upon the bare foot of a Wrestler and bit him, causing the man to call loudly upon Hercules for help. When the Flea a second time hopped upon his foot, he groaned and said, "O Hercules! if you will not help me against a Flea, how can I hope for your assistance against greater antagonists?'

L'Estrange version (A Flea and Hercules)

There was a fellow, that upon a flea-biting call'd out to Hercules for help. The flea gets away, and the man expostulates upon the matter. Well! Hercules; (says he) you that would not take my part against a sorry flea, will never stand by me in a time of need, against a more powerful enemy.

Moral

We neglect God in greater matters, and petition him for trifles, nay and take pett at last if we cannot have our askings.

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