52 THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF LEONARD WHEATCROFT. 



against me but in derision of the fabricke which I had bulded upon 

 the top of Ashover Hill. So according to their desires we met, 

 where a great company were gathered togather. There did I 

 challenge him to walk with me vnto Parnishus Hill {Parnassus^ 

 but we both missing our way, we chanced to light on an ale-house, 

 and after we had drunk awhile, we fell into discours concerning the 

 9 Muses, which he could not name, neither could he tell from 

 whence they came, or what they had done, or what they might 

 doe (/) 



[Leonard must have " read up " for this meeting, for there are 

 many in these days who claim the acquaintance of the muses who 

 would have been hard set to comply with Leonard's demands.] 



" So in the audience of all the companey I gave them their 

 right names, and all their right titles. Wherevpon they decked 

 my head round with Lorill branches, to the great vexation of 

 my antagonist, Ouldham. So ever since I am called ' The Black 

 Poet.' [Perhaps from his sombre suit worn as parish clerk.] 



[Leonard does not inform us who were present at this contest, 

 but there is such an under-current of humour in the whole 

 transaction, that it would almost seem the work of some scholarly 

 wag at the expense of the Ashover " Laureate " and his 

 " antagonist." Leonard, however, regards the matter in a very 

 serious light, and honestly looks upon his victory as honourably 

 obtained, and himself quite worthy of the Laureate's wreath. It is 

 with no small pride he informs us — " Ever since, I am called the 

 Black Poet." 



The Muses had several names according to the several places 

 where they dwelt. Sometimes they were called Pierides, from the 

 forest Pieris in Macedonia, where they were said to be born ; 

 sometimes Hehconiades, from M'- Helicon, which is near to their 

 beloved Parnassus ; from whence also they were called Parnassides. 

 and Cytherides, from M'- Cytheron : Castalides and Aganippides, 

 from two noted fountains that were consecrated to them. Their 

 names and attributes were as follow : — Calliope was the supposed 

 president of heroic poetry ; Clio, of history ; Erato, of the lute; 

 Thalia, of comedy ; Melpomene, of tragedy ; Terpsichore, of the 



