The Sexes of Song

FIRST in the empire of the Muse
Are the broad athletes, the all-male,
Who from their cradles had the thews
That unwithstandably prevail.

But many a province she possesses,
Rich in fair manors and proud seats.
Bestowed on such great poetesses
As Shelley and June-hearted Keats.

Media: <html xmlns:tei="http://www.tei-c.org/ns/1.0"><body><h1 align="center" class="head">The Sexes of Song</h1><div class="stanza"><p class="line">FIRST in the empire of the Muse</p><p class="line">Are the broad athletes, the all-male,</p><p class="line">Who from their cradles had the thews</p><p class="line">That unwithstandably prevail.</p></div><div class="stanza"><p class="line">But many a province she possesses,</p><p class="line">Rich in fair manors and proud seats.</p><p class="line">Bestowed on such great poetesses</p><p class="line">As Shelley and June-hearted Keats.</p></div></body></html>