I am sure that Zeus will be merciful toward people who have given themselves entirely to these hobbies, even though they are only amusing and pointless diversions. I felt that if I did not use that gift my poetry would be tasteless to me and fame detestable. That's why poetry is rightly said to be dictated by a daimonion,though it's an exaggeration to maintain that he must be an angel. It's hard to guess where that pride of poets comes from,when so often they're put to shame by the disclosure of their frailty. There was a time when only wise books were readhelping us to bear our pain and misery.
People therefore preserve silent integritythus earning the respect of their relatives and neighbors.
The purpose of poetry is to remind ushow difficult it is to remain just one person,for our house is open, there are no keys in the doors,and invisible guests come in and out at will. What I'm saying here is not, I agree, poetry,as poems should be written rarely and reluctantly,under unbearable duress and only with the hopethat good spirits, not evil ones, choose us for their instrument. Reprinted by permission. I see the crab feeding on their flesh. I have seen the fall of States and the perdition of tribes,the flight of kings and emperors, the power of tyrants.