C.D. Warner, et al., comp.
The Library of the World’s Best Literature. An Anthology in Thirty Volumes. 1917.

Life for Song

COME Muse, O Muse, so often scorned by me,

The hope of sorrow and the balm of care,—

Give to me speech and song, that I may be

Unchid by grief; grant me such graces rare

As other ministering souls may never see

Who boast thy laurel, and thy myrtle wear.

I know no joy wherein thou hast not part,

My speeding wind, my anchor, and my goal.

Come, fair Parnassus, lift thou up my heart;

Come, Helicon, renew my thirsty soul.

A cypress crown, O Muse, is thine to give,

And pain eternal: take this weary frame,

Touch me with fire, and this my death shall live

On all men’s lips and in undying fame.