PROEM.
Reading edition
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.