PREFACE
Reading edition
Arms and the man I sing,—not as of old The Mantuan bard his mighty verse unrolled, But in such humbler strains as may beseem Light changes rung on a fantastic theme. My tale is ancient, but the sense is new,— Replete with monstrous fictions, yet half true;— And, if you'll follow till the story's done, I promise much instruction, and some fun.