68
THE ORIGIN OF SONG-WRITING.
When Venus, vexed to see her child
Amid the forests thus run wild,
Would point him out some nobler game,—
Gods, and godlike men to tame.
She seized the boy's reluctant hand,
And led him to the virgin band,
Where the sister Muses round
Swell the deep majestic sound;
And in- solemn strains unite,
Breathing chaste, severe delight;
Songs of chiefs and heroes old,
In unsubmitting virtue bold:
Of even valour's temperate heat,
And toils, to stubborn patience sweet;
Of nodding plumes and burnished arms,
And glory's bright terrific charms.
The potent sounds like lightning dart
Resistless through the glowing heart;
