FABLE XII
by John Gay · from Fables of John Gay (Somewhat Altered)
Adapted Version
Once, there was a little boy named Cupid. He had soft, white wings. He was playing in a pretty garden. The garden was full of red flowers. It had yellow flowers and blue flowers. The sun was warm. Cupid was very happy. He had a small bow. He had tiny arrows. He used arrows to help people love. He loved his job very much.
Then, his friend Hymen came to the garden. Hymen was not happy. He looked very sad. His shoulders were down. He walked slowly to see Cupid. "Cupid," Hymen said. His voice was quiet and low. "The people are not happy." He was worried. "They are not happy together."
"Why are they not happy?" asked Cupid. He put down his bow. Hymen said, "Some people are grumpy. They are not kind at all. Some people are silly. They are not serious at all. They do not fit together well. They become unhappy later." He shook his head. This was a very big problem.
Cupid stamped his little foot. The ground shook a tiny bit. "It is not my fault!" he shouted. "My arrows work just fine! I help people love each other. I give them good feelings. The feelings are warm in their hearts. You always talk about money!"
Cupid pointed a small finger. He pointed to a man nearby. The man was serious and quiet. He wore dark clothes. "It is his fault!" Cupid said. "That is Plutus. Plutus loves money. He only thinks about gold coins. He makes people think about money. He does not think about love."
Plutus was very serious. He did not smile. He heard every word Cupid said. "No," Plutus said in a deep voice. "It is not my fault. The people choose. They want money, not love." He stood very still.
Plutus looked at them both. "A girl wants a big house. She wants many nice things to wear. She does not ask for a kind friend. A boy wants a fast car. He wants lots of new toys. He does not ask for a good heart. They just ask for things."
"People get what they ask for," Plutus said. "It is their choice, not yours. If they ask for money, they get money. But they might not get love. If they ask for love, they get love. Then they will be truly happy. It is always their choice."
Original Story
FABLE XII.
Cupid, Hymen, and Plutus.
As Cupid, with his band of sprites,
In Paphian grove set things to rights,
And trimmed his bow and tipped his arrows,
And taught, to play with Lesbia, sparrows,
Thus Hymen said: "Your blindness makes,
O Cupid, wonderful mistakes!
You send me such ill-coupled folks:
It grieves me, now, to give them yokes.
An old chap, with his troubles laden,
You bind to a light-hearted maiden;
Or join incongruous minds together,
To squabble for a pin or feather
Until they sue for a divorce;
To which the wife assents—of course."
"It is your fault, and none of mine,"
Cupid replied. "I hearts combine:
You trade in settlements and deeds,
And care not for the heart that bleeds.
You couple them for gold and fee;
Complain of Plutus—not of me."
Then Plutus added: "What can I do?—
The settlement is what they spy to.
Say, does Belinda blame her fate?—
She only asked a great estate.
Doris was rich enough, but humble:
She got a title—does she grumble?
All men want money—not a shoe-tie
Care they for excellence or beauty.
Oh all, my boys, is right enough:
They got the money—hearts is stuff."
Story DNA
Moral
People often prioritize wealth and status over genuine affection in marriage, leading to unhappiness and blaming others for their choices.
Plot Summary
Hymen, the god of marriage, complains to Cupid, the god of love, about the mismatched couples he is forced to join, leading to unhappiness and divorce. Cupid deflects the blame, stating he only combines hearts, and points to Hymen's focus on wealth, ultimately blaming Plutus, the god of wealth. Plutus then clarifies that the fault lies with humans themselves, who prioritize money and status over genuine affection when choosing partners, thus getting exactly what they desired.
Themes
Emotional Arc
frustration to cynical acceptance
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
John Gay was an English poet and dramatist known for his satirical works, often critiquing societal norms and corruption of his time. This fable reflects 18th-century concerns about arranged marriages and the role of wealth in marital unions.
Plot Beats (8)
- Cupid is engaged in his tasks in a Paphian grove.
- Hymen approaches Cupid, complaining about the mismatched couples he is forced to join.
- Hymen describes how Cupid binds old men to young maidens and incongruous minds, leading to divorce.
- Cupid defends himself, stating he combines hearts, while Hymen deals with settlements and fees.
- Cupid blames Plutus for the focus on gold and fees in marriages.
- Plutus then speaks, explaining that people themselves prioritize wealth and estates.
- Plutus gives examples of women who sought wealth or titles, not love.
- Plutus concludes that men desire money, not excellence or beauty, and therefore, they get what they want.
Characters
Cupid ★ protagonist
A slender and youthful boy, often depicted with rosy cheeks and a mischievous grin. His form is light and agile, suggesting swift flight.
Attire: Typically nude or wearing a simple, flowing white or light blue sash draped across one shoulder and hip, leaving most of his body exposed. Sometimes adorned with a quiver strap.
Wants: To combine hearts and ignite love, often without considering long-term compatibility or societal implications.
Flaw: Blindness to practical matters and long-term consequences of his pairings; a tendency to blame others.
Remains unchanged, defending his actions and shifting blame to Hymen and Plutus.
Mischievous, playful, somewhat irresponsible, and focused on the emotional aspect of love rather than practicalities.
Image Prompt & Upload
A young, cherubic boy with fair skin and rosy cheeks, golden curly hair, and bright, innocent-looking eyes covered by a white silk blindfold. He has small white feathered wings on his back. He wears a simple, flowing white sash draped across his body. He holds a small, ornate golden bow in his left hand and a quiver filled with golden-tipped arrows is slung over his shoulder. He stands with a light, playful posture. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Hymen ◆ supporting
A graceful and dignified young man, often depicted with a slender build and a serious, yet benevolent, expression.
Attire: A flowing, toga-like white or saffron-colored robe, often with a purple border, signifying purity and celebration. Sometimes wears sandals.
Wants: To ensure happy and well-matched marriages; to prevent discord and divorce.
Flaw: Frustration with the outcomes of Cupid's pairings; a sense of powerlessness against the influence of wealth.
Remains unchanged, expressing his grievances but not finding a solution.
Responsible, concerned, somewhat weary, and focused on the practical and harmonious aspects of marriage.
Image Prompt & Upload
A graceful young man with a slender build, noble classical features, and calm, observant eyes. He has dark, wavy hair adorned with a green floral wreath. He wears a flowing, saffron-colored toga-like robe with a purple border, draped elegantly over his body. He holds a tall, lit wedding torch made of pine in his right hand. He stands with a stately and composed posture. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Plutus ◆ supporting
A robust and substantial man, often depicted as blind, symbolizing the indiscriminate nature of wealth. His form suggests power and abundance.
Attire: Rich, heavy robes, often in deep purples, golds, or reds, suggesting luxury and power. Adorned with subtle gold embroidery or jewels. Sometimes carries a cornucopia.
Wants: To distribute wealth and observe its influence on human behavior.
Flaw: His own blindness to non-material values; his belief that money is the ultimate motivator.
Remains unchanged, asserting the undeniable power of money over human hearts.
Cynical, pragmatic, realistic, and focused solely on material wealth and its power.
Image Prompt & Upload
A robust and substantial adult man with strong, stern facial features, his eyes covered by a dark red silk blindfold. He has dark, thick hair and a full beard. He wears rich, heavy robes in deep purple with subtle gold embroidery. He holds a large cornucopia overflowing with gold coins and jewels in his arms. He stands with a solid and imposing, grounded stance. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Locations
Paphian Grove
A sacred grove associated with Venus/Aphrodite, likely lush and verdant, where Cupid attends to his tools and playful sparrows.
Mood: Playful, romantic, slightly chaotic due to Cupid's activities, yet serene.
Cupid is preparing his arrows and teaching sparrows, setting the scene for Hymen's complaint about mismatched couples.
Image Prompt & Upload
A sun-dappled, ancient Mediterranean grove, with gnarled olive trees and fragrant myrtle bushes. Soft, golden light filters through the dense canopy, illuminating patches of wild cyclamen and anemones on the mossy ground. A gentle breeze rustles the leaves, and the air is warm and fragrant. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
