Proem
SOME ancient tales of Pagan days
The author of this book relates
Explaining how in divers ways
The gods displayed their human traits;
And how they oft in other years
Set human beings by the ears.
Belike these rhymes recall to you
The jingles of the poet Saxe;
The poet here is Saxon, too,
And so must needs relate his facts
In such a way that they are clear
And suited to the Saxon ear.
Some anecdotes which Homer told
You’ll miss in this; but reader, pray
Consider, what was good of old
Would never pass the mails to-day.
And hence this history belated
Has been—well, slightly expurgated.