The Musses know no fear of the cruel Love;
rather do their hearts befriend him greatly
and their footsteps follow him close.
And let one that hath not love in his soul sing a song,
and they forthwith slink away and will not teach him;
but if sweet music be made by him that hath,
then fly they all unto him hot-foot.
And if you ask me how I know that this is very truth,
I tell you I may sing praise of any other,
he be God or man, and my tongue will wag falteringly
and refuse me her best;
but if my music be of love and Lycidas,
then my voice floweth from my lips rejoicing.
Bion of Phlossa (1st - 2nd century BC) Ancient Greece
Translated by J. M. Edmonds
Source: Classical Texts Library
No comments:
Post a Comment
Please keep your comments relevant and free from abusive language. Thank you. Note that comments are moderated so it may be a day or two before your comment is posted - irrelevant or abusive comments will not be published.