Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, VENUS'S ADVICE TO THE MUSES, by MATTHEW PRIOR


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

VENUS'S ADVICE TO THE MUSES, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Thus to the muses spoke the cyprian dame
Last Line: But, when he finds us studying hard, he flies.'
Subject(s): Muses; Mythology - Classical; Nymphs; Venus (goddess)


THUS to the Muses spoke the Cyprian dame;
'Adorn my altars, and revere my name.
My son shall else assume his potent darts,
Twang goes the bow, my girls; have at your hearts!'
The Muses answered, 'Venus, we deride
The vagrant's malice, and his mother's pride;
Send him to nymphs who sleep on Ida's shade,
To the loose dance, and wanton masquerade;
Our thoughts are settled, and intent our look,
On the instructive verse, and moral book;
On female idleness his power relies;
But, when he finds us studying hard, he flies.'





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