Plea For The Historian

Forbear to deem the Chronicler unwise, Ungentle, or untouched by seemly ruth, Who, gathering up all that Time’s envious tooth Has spared of sound and grave realities, Firmly rejects those dazzling flatteries, Dear as they are to unsuspecting Youth, That might have drawn down Clio from the skies To vindicate the majesty of truth. Such was her office while she walked with men, A Muse, who, not unmindful of her Sire All-ruling Jove, whate’er the theme might be Revered her Mother, sage Mnemosyne, And taught her faithful servants how the lyre Should animate, but not mislead, the pen.

Clio, daughter of Zeus and Mnemosyne, the first-born of the Muses, presided over History. It was her office to record the actions of illustrious heroes.--ED.

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Her rights to claim, and vindicate the truth. Her faithful Servants while she walked with men Were they who, …

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… their …

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And, at the Muse’s will, invoked the lyre To animate, …

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Quem virum--lyra-- --sumes celebrare Clio?

W. W. 1842.