The tenth muse lately sprung up in America or severall poems, compiled with great variety of vvit and learning, full of delight. Wherein especially is contained a compleat discourse and description of the four elements, constitutions, ages of man, seasons of the year. Together with an exact epitomie of the four monarchies, viz. The Assyrian, Persian, Grecian, Roman. Also a dialogue between Old England and New, concerning the late troubles. With divers other pleasant and serious poems. By a gentlewoman in those parts.
Bradstreet, Anne, 1612?-1672.
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Upon the Author, by a knowne Friend.
NOw I beleeve Tradition, which doth call
The Muses, Vertues, Graces, Females all;
Only they are not nine, eleaven, nor three,
Our Authresse proves them but one unity.
Mankind take up some blushes on the score,
Menopolize perfection no more:
In your owne Arts, confesse your selves out-done,
The Moone hath totally ecclips'd the Sun,
Not with her sable mantle mufling him,
But her bright silver makes his gold looke dim:
Just as his beams force our pale Lamps to winke,
And earthly Fires within their ashes shrinke.
I cannot wonder at Apollo now,
That he with Female Lawrell crown'd his brow,
That made him witty: had I leave to chuse,
My Verse should be a Page unto your Muse.
C. B.
