To the muses

by William Blake

Whether on Ida s shady brow,
Or in the chambers of the East,
The chambers of the sun, that now
From ancient melody have ceas d;

Whether in Heav n ye wander fair,
Or the green corners of the earth,
Or the blue regions of the air,
Where the melodious winds have birth;

Whether on crystal rocks ye rove,
Beneath the bosom of the sea
Wand ring in many a coral grove,
Fair Nine, forsaking Poetry!

How have you left the ancient love
That bards of old enjoy d in you!
The languid strings do scarcely move!
The sound is forc d, the notes are few!