_Ode Xxiii._

One day, the Muses twined the hands Of baby Love, with flowery bands; And to celestial Beauty gave The captive infant as her slave. His mother comes with many a toy, To ransom her beloved boy; His mother sues, but all in vain!

He ne'er will leave his chains again. Nay, should they take his chains away, The little captive still would stay. 'If this,' he cries, 'a bondage be, Who could wish for liberty?'