Forget Mount Helicon you Muses nine !

By this Castalian Spring with me incline

Upon the sward so richly verdant green--

The Phaedriades behind to set the scene.

Stay with me then, and all your charms display

While high above us Phoebus' every ray

Seeks to explore , lascivious and bold ,

The depths of linens sheer that you enfold ,

While yet the gossamer garments each one wears

Reveal sweet limbs when gentle Zephyr stirs.

Terpsichore , perform your graceful dance

To satisfy the Sungod's lustful glance .

Calliope , chant of Helen if you must :

( Helen who brought Troy's massive walls to dust ):

Persuade Urania , Melpomene and Clio

To sing behind you as a backing trio.

Strike up an epic with passionate words afire !

(Polymnia can accompany on the lyre )

But do it at a distance if you please!

I think I will disport myself with these.

Thalia 's comic touch will bring me laughter,

And then should I have any need thereafter

For honeyed words to bring me pleasant cheer

I've Euterpe and Erato with me here.

Love and lyrical verse together twined ;

Enough to choke a minor poet's mind!

I'll stay with you girls here upon the grasses ;

Let others bust a gut to climb Parnassus !