But say the truth (yet truth will scarce abide thee)
Are there not some that jeer and do deride thee
In lofty measures, and thou wanting skill
To vindicate thy credit by thy quill?
Dost scold?' Quoth he, 'I do acknowledge it.
130I blamed the Muses, 'cause I wanted wit;
And darted scandals at Apollo's lyre.
Yet pardon, mighty Æsculapius' sire,
And ye blest goddesses, my grand offence,
And on your altars I'll burn frankincense,