Forbear to deem the Chronicler unwise,
Ungentle, or untouched by seemly ruth,
Who, gathering up all that Time's envious tooth
Has spared of sound and grave realities,
Firmly rejects those dazzling flatteries,
Dear as they are to unsuspecting Youth,
That might have drawn down Clio from the skies
To vindicate the majesty of truth.
Such was her office while she walked with men,[109]
A Muse, who,[110] not unmindful of her Sire
All-ruling Jove, whate'er the[111] theme might be
Revered her Mother, sage Mnemosyne,
And taught her faithful servants how the lyre
Should[112] animate, but not mislead, the pen.[113]
[109] Clio, daughter of Zeus and Mnemosyne, the first-born of the Muses, presided over History. It was her office to record the actions of illustrious heroes.--ED.
[110] 1845.
Her rights to claim, and vindicate the truth.
Her faithful Servants while she walked with men
Were they who, ...
1842.
[111] 1845.
... their ...
1842.
[112] 1845.
And, at the Muse's will, invoked the lyre
To animate, ...
1842.
[113]
Quem virum--lyra--
--sumes celebrare Clio?
W. W. 1842.
YOU ARE READING
THE POETICAL WORKS OF WILLIAM WORDSWORTH, VOL. 8 (Completed)
PoesiaThe Poetical Works of William Wordsworth, Vol. 8. Edited by William Knight
