Cupid and the Muses

"Revetior illas, mater; nam venerandae sunt, et semper quiddam commeditantur. . ."—Lucian.

ONCE lovely Venus to her wayward boy—Her wilful torment and her keen delight—Spake chidingly:—"Why must you me annoyWith your capricious wiles by day and night?Perplexing child, display your arts elsewhere:Turn you to those whom idly now you spare!Cold in content, and armored in their pride,Behold the Muses!—let them claim your care!"To whom the laughing Cupid: "Nay, I've triedWhat ways I know, to move those ladies fair;But, ah, my mother, they're so occupied!"