<h2><SPAN name="page30"></SPAN><span class="pagenum"></span>MOMUS, GOD OF LAUGHTER</h2>
<p class="poetry">Though with gods the world is cumbered,<br/>
Gods unnamed, and gods unnumbered,<br/>
Never god was known to be<br/>
Who had not his devotee.<br/>
So I dedicate to mine,<br/>
Here in verse, my temple-shrine.</p>
<p class="poetry">’Tis not Ares,—mighty Mars,<br/>
Who can give success in wars.<br/>
’Tis not Morpheus, who doth keep<br/>
Guard above us while we sleep,<br/>
’Tis not Venus, she whose duty<br/>
’Tis to give us love and beauty;<br/>
Hail to these, and others, after<br/>
Momus, gleesome god of laughter.</p>
<p class="poetry">Quirinus would guard my health,<br/>
Plutus would insure me wealth;<br/>
Mercury looks after trade,<br/>
Hera smiles on youth and maid.<br/>
All are kind, I own their worth,<br/>
After Momus, god of mirth.</p>
<p class="poetry"><SPAN name="page31"></SPAN><span class="pagenum">p.
31</span>Though Apollo, out of spite,<br/>
Hides away his face of light,<br/>
Though Minerva looks askance,<br/>
Deigning me no smiling glance,<br/>
Kings and queens may envy me<br/>
While I claim the god of glee.</p>
<p class="poetry">Wisdom wearies, Love has wings—<br/>
Wealth makes burdens, Pleasure stings,<br/>
Glory proves a thorny crown—<br/>
So all gifts the gods throw down<br/>
Bring their pains and troubles after;<br/>
All save Momus, god of laughter.<br/>
He alone gives constant joy.<br/>
Hail to Momus, happy boy.</p>
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