Epigram 51: As youthful Sinus gave me to the Nine

As youthful Sinus gave me to the Nine,
He said, Ye Muses, grant me light divine;
And these accepting, like brave Glaucus, scon
For the small gift return’d a greater boon.
But, with dishevell’d locks, I stand and stare
Against the doubtful Samian letter there.
To me the boys address their ardent prayers,
And cry, O Bacchus, sacred be thy hairs ;
But I no more attend these idle themes,
Than if they told me last night’s empty dreams.