The Poetical Works of Elijah Fenton/To Mr. Pope. An Imitation of a Greek epigram in Homer

by Elijah Fenton

TO MR. POPE.

AN IMITATION OF A GREEK EPIGRAM IN HOMER,

In which the poet supposeth Apollo to have given this answer to one who inquired who was the author of the Iliad.

 

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Ηειδον μὲν Ἐγών, ἐχάρασσε δὲ θεῖος Όμηρος.
Hæc modulaba Ego, scripsit divinus Homerus.

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When Phœbus and the Nine harmonious maids
Of old assembled in the Thespian shades,
"What theme,” they cry'd, "what high immortal air,
"Befits these harps to sound, and thee to hear?"
Reply'd the god, "Your loftiest notes employ 5
"To sing young Peleus and the fall of Troy."
The wondrous song with rapture they rehearse,
Then ask who wrought that miracle of verse.
He answer'd with a frown; "I now reveal
"A truth that Envy bids me not conceal. 10
"Retiring frequent to this laureat vale,
"I warbled to the lyre that fav'rite tale,
"Which, unobserv'd, a wand'ring Greek, and blind,
"Heard me repeat, and treasur'd in his mind;
"And, fir'd with thirst of more than mortal praise,
"From me, the god of Wit, usurp'd the bays. 16
"But let vain Greece indulge her growing fame,
"Proud with celestial spoils to grace her name;
"Yet when my arts shall triumph in the West,
"And the White Isle with female pow'r is blest, 20
"Fame, I foresee, will make reprisals there,
"And the translator's palm to me transfer:
"With less regret my claim I now decline;
“The world will think this English Iliad mine.” 24