Complacent Fictions were they, yet the same Involved a history of no doubtful sense, History that proves by inward evidence From what a precious source of truth it came. Ne’er could the boldest Eulogist have dared 5 Such deeds to paint, such characters to frame, But for coeval sympathy prepared To greet with instant faith their loftiest claim. None but a noble people could have loved Flattery in Ancient Rome’s pure-minded style: 10 Not in like sort the Runic Scald was moved; He, nursed ’mid savage passions that defile Humanity, sang feats that well might call For the blood-thirsty mead of Odin’s riotous Hall. VI 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, 5 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,[109] A Muse, who,[110] not unmindful of her Sire 10 All-ruling Jove, whate’er the[111] theme might be Revered her Mother, sage Mnemosyne, And taught her faithful servants how the lyre Should[112] animate, but not mislead, the pen.[113] [109] 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. [110] 1845. Her rights to claim, and vindicate the truth. Her faithful Servants while she walked with men Were they who, … 1842. [111] 1845. … their … 1842. [112] 1845. And, at the Muse’s will, invoked the lyre To animate, … 1842. [113] Quem virum--lyra-- --sumes celebrare Clio? W. W. 1842. VII AT ROME [I have a private interest in this Sonnet, for I doubt whether it would ever have been written but for the lively picture given me by Anna Ricketts of what she had witnessed of the indignation and sorrow expressed by some Italian noblemen of their acquaintance upon the surrender, which circumstances had obliged them to make, of the best portion of their family mansions to strangers.--I.F.]