Let verse of yours be flexible, but strong, br Strong as a poplar under valley's cover, br Strong as the earth under a plough, long, br Strong as a girl, who never knew a lover. br br Reliably preserve severity at length, br Your verse need not be fluttering or booming, br Although the Muse has very easy steps, br She's not a dancer, but a goddess, ruling. br br Frolicsome din of interrupted rhymes -- br Temptation for decline, so free and so easy -- br Just leave for use by jokers in a dance br On city streets for people who aren't busy. br br And going out on the sacred paths, br Bring to melodiousness your chosen damnation. br You know, she's a mistress of the mass, br She craves embraces, as a dearth -- donations.