The Classic Myths in English Literature and in Art (2nd ed.) (1911) / Based Originally on Bulfinch's 'Age of Fable' (1855) - Charles Mills Gayley; Thomas Bulfinch

The Athenæum Press
GINN AND COMPANY · PROPRIETORS · BOSTON · U.S.A.

[TO THE MUSES]

Whether on Ida's shady brow,
Or in the chambers of the East,
The chambers of the sun, that now
From ancient melody have ceas'd;

Whether in Heav'n ye wander fair,
Or the green corners of the earth,
Or the blue regions of the air,
Where the melodious winds have birth;

Whether on crystal rocks ye rove,
Beneath the bosom of the sea,
Wandering in many a coral grove,
Fair Nine, forsaking Poetry;

How have you left the ancient love
That bards of old enjoyed in you!
The languid strings do scarcely move,
The sound is forc'd, the notes are few!