When wise Miuerva still was young, And just the least romantic, Soon after from Jove's head she flung, That preternatural antic, 'Tis said to keep from idleness Or flirting— those twin curses— She spent her leisure, more or less, In writing po — no, verses. * * ♦ ♦ • « A clean, fair copy she prepares. Makes sure of moods and tense 3, With her own hand— for prudence spare 3 A man- (or woman-) uensis— Complete, and tied with ribbons proud, She hinted soon how cusey a Treat it would oe to read them loud After next day's Ambrosia. The gods thought not it would amuse

So much as Homer's Odyssees, But could not very well refuse < The properest of goddesses ; So all sat round in attitudes

Of various dejection, As with a " hem !" the queen of prudea Began her grave prelection. At the first pause Zeus said, " Well sung I- I mean — ask Phoebus — he knows." Says Phcebus, " Zounds 1 a wolf's among Admetus's merinos I Fine 1 very fine ! but 1 must go ; They stand in need of me there ; Excuse me I" 6natched his stick, and so Plunged down the gladdened ether. With the next gap, Mars said, " For me Don't wait ; naught could be finer, But I'm engaged at half-past three— A fight in Asia Minor." Then Venus lisped, " How very sad I It rainth down there in torrenth ; But I mvtht go, because they've had A thacrifithe in Corinth." Then Bacchus, " With those slamming doors 1 lost the last half dist— (hie 1)" Mos' bu'ful se'ments ! What's the Chor's ? My voice shall not be missed— (hie !)" His words woke Hermes ; '• Ah ;" he said, I 50 love moral theses I" Then winked at Hebe, who turned red, And smoothed her apron's creases. Just then Zeu3 Bnored ; the eagle drew His head tbe wing from under ; Zeus snored, o'er startled Greece there flew The many-volumed thunder ; Some augurs counted nine; some, ten ; Some said 'twas war. some famine ; And all, that other-minded men

Would get a precious Proud Pallas sighed, " It will not do ; Against the Muse I've sinned, oh I" And her torn rhymes sent flying through Olympus's back window. 