Thus to the Muses spoke the Cyprian Dame, <br />Adorn my altars, and revere my name. <br />My son shall else assume his potent darts; <br />Twang goes the bow; my girls have at your hearts. <br />The Muses answer'd Venus, We deride <br />The Vagrant's malice and his mother's pride: <br />Send him to nymphs who sleep on Ida's shade, <br />To the loose dance and wanton masquerade: <br />Our thoughts are settled, and intent our look <br />On the instructive verse and moral book. <br />On female idleness his power relies, <br />But when he finds us studying hard he flies.<br /><br />Matthew Prior<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/venus-advice-to-the-muses/
