Poetical sketches by William Blake now first reprinted from the original edition of 1783/To the Muses

by William Blake

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 ceased;

Whether in heaven 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 enjoy'd in you!
The languid strings do scarcely move,
   The sound is forced, the notes are few!