Intended as an Apology for Not Writing

Wide Habitation of the Sons of Men, Wherein the seeds of vice and virtue lie Mix’d, like the undigested Elements Ere Chaos lost his kingdom; where blind Chance With Passion holds divided anarchy; O! who can rightly scan thee, or describe? Subject ill suited to a Virgin’s Muse, That cannot praise, and is to blame untaught: Wherefore from this unprofitable theme She turns, leaving unsung its argument; Save that with careless hand her lute she strikes Lightly, nor hoping that the myrtle wreath Shall crown her unpremeditated lay.