Metamorphoses (Books I-XIV)
Minerva's Interview with the Muses
5:377 Thus far Minerva was content to rove
5:378 With Perseus, offspring of her
father Jove:
5:379 Now, hid in clouds, Seriphus
she forsook;
5:380 And to the Theban tow'rs her
journey took.
5:381 Cythnos and Gyaros lying to the
right,
5:382 She pass'd unheeded in her eager
flight;
5:383 And chusing first on Helicon
to rest,
5:384 The virgin Muses in these words
address'd:
5:385 Me, the strange tidings of a new-found spring,
5:386 Ye learned sisters, to this mountain
bring.
5:387 If all be true that Fame's wide
rumours tell,
5:388 'Twas Pegasus discover'd first
your well;
5:389 Whose piercing hoof gave the
soft earth a blow,
5:390 Which broke the surface where
these waters flow.
5:391 I saw that horse by miracle obtain
5:392 Life, from the blood of dire
Medusa slain;
5:393 And now, this equal prodigy to
view,
5:394 From distant isles to fam'd Boeotia
flew.
5:395 The Muse Urania said, Whatever cause
5:396 So great a Goddess to this mansion
draws;
5:397 Our shades are happy with so
bright a guest,
5:398 You, Queen, are welcome, and
we Muses blest.
5:399 What Fame has publish'd of our
spring is true,
5:400 Thanks for our spring to Pegasus
are due.
5:401 Then, with becoming courtesy,
she led
5:402 The curious stranger to their
fountain's head;
5:403 Who long survey'd, with wonder,
and delight,
5:404 Their sacred water, charming
to the sight;
5:405 Their ancient groves, dark grottos,
shady bow'rs,
5:406 And smiling plains adorn'd with
various flow'rs.
5:407 O happy Muses! she with rapture
cry'd,
5:408 Who, safe from cares, on this
fair hill reside;
5:409 Blest in your seat, and free
your selves to please
5:410 With joys of study, and with
glorious ease.
Metamorphoses (Books I-XIV)
Minerva's Interview with the Muses
5:377 Thus far Minerva was content to rove
5:378 With Perseus, offspring of her
father Jove:
5:379 Now, hid in clouds, Seriphus
she forsook;
5:380 And to the Theban tow'rs her
journey took.
5:381 Cythnos and Gyaros lying to the
right,
5:382 She pass'd unheeded in her eager
flight;
5:383 And chusing first on Helicon
to rest,
5:384 The virgin Muses in these words
address'd:
5:385 Me, the strange tidings of a new-found spring,
5:386 Ye learned sisters, to this mountain
bring.
5:387 If all be true that Fame's wide
rumours tell,
5:388 'Twas Pegasus discover'd first
your well;
5:389 Whose piercing hoof gave the
soft earth a blow,
5:390 Which broke the surface where
these waters flow.
5:391 I saw that horse by miracle obtain
5:392 Life, from the blood of dire
Medusa slain;
5:393 And now, this equal prodigy to
view,
5:394 From distant isles to fam'd Boeotia
flew.
5:395 The Muse Urania said, Whatever cause
5:396 So great a Goddess to this mansion
draws;
5:397 Our shades are happy with so
bright a guest,
5:398 You, Queen, are welcome, and
we Muses blest.
5:399 What Fame has publish'd of our
spring is true,
5:400 Thanks for our spring to Pegasus
are due.
5:401 Then, with becoming courtesy,
she led
5:402 The curious stranger to their
fountain's head;
5:403 Who long survey'd, with wonder,
and delight,
5:404 Their sacred water, charming
to the sight;
5:405 Their ancient groves, dark grottos,
shady bow'rs,
5:406 And smiling plains adorn'd with
various flow'rs.
5:407 O happy Muses! she with rapture
cry'd,
5:408 Who, safe from cares, on this
fair hill reside;
5:409 Blest in your seat, and free
your selves to please
5:410 With joys of study, and with
glorious ease.