Poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Momus, God of Laughter

Though with gods the world is cumbered, 
Gods unnamed, and gods unnumbered, 
Never god was known to be
Who had not his devotee.
So I dedicate to mine, 
Here in verse, my temple-shrine.

‘Tis not Ares, - mighty Mars, 
Who can give success in wars.
‘Tis not Morpheus, who doth keep
Guard above us while we sleep, 
‘Tis not Venus, she whose duty
‘Tis to give us love and beauty; 
Hail to these, and others, after
Momus, gleesome god of laughter.

Quirinus would guard my health, 
Plutus would insure me wealth; 
Mercury looks after trade, 
Hera smiles on youth and maid.
All are kind, I own their worth, 
After Momus, god of mirth.

Though Apollo, out of spite, 
Hides away his face of light, 
Though Minerva looks askance, 
Deigning me no smiling glance, 
Kings and queens may envy me
While I claim the god of glee.

Wisdom wearies, Love had wings –
Wealth makes burdens, Pleasure stings, 
Glory proves a thorny crown –
So all gifts the gods throw down
Bring their pains and troubles after; 
All save Momus, god of laughter.
He alone gives constant joy.
Hail to Momus, happy boy.

1. The Birth of the Orchid
2. Be Not Attached
3. Behold the Earth
4. The Black Charger
5. In England

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