Thomas Humphry Ward, ed. The English Poets. 1880–1918.rnVol. III. The Eighteenth Century: Addison to Blake

William Blake (1757–1827)

Extracts from Poetical Sketches: 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 your ancient love

That bards of old enjoyed in you!

The languid strings do scarcely move,

The sound is forced, the notes are few.