Momus, God Of Laughter

By Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Lyric Poem
    Though with gods the world is cumbered,     Gods unnamed, and gods unnumbered,     Never god was known to be     Who had not his devotee.     So I dedicate to mine,     Here in verse, my temple-shrine.     'Tis not Ares, - mighty Mars,     Who can give success in wars.     'Tis not Morpheus, who doth keep     Guard above us while we sleep,     'Tis not Venus, she whose duty     'Tis to give us love and beauty;     Hail to these, and others, after     Momus, gleesome god of laughter.     Quirinus would guard my health!     Plutus would insure me wealth     Mercury looks after trade,     Hera smiles on youth and maid.     All are kind, I own their worth,     After Momus, god of mirth.     Though Apollo, out of spite,     Hides away his face of light.     Though Minerva looks askance,     Deigning me no smiling glance,     Kings and queens may envy me     While I claim the god of glee.     Wisdom wearies, Love has wings -     Wealth makes burdens, Pleasure stings,     Glory proves a thorny crown -     So all gifts the gods throw down     Bring their pains and troubles after;     All save Momus, god of laughter.     He alone gives constant joy,     Hail to Momus, happy boy.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem serves as an homage to Momus, the ancient Greek god of laughter and satire. The recurring theme is the speaker's devotion to this deity, which is expressed amidst comparisons to other gods. The tone carries a light-heartedness, expressing the speaker's preference for laughter over other gods' realms like war, love, wealth, and wisdom.

The structure of the poem, which follows a regular rhyme scheme, creates a rhythmic flow, mirroring the consistent, unwavering devotion of the speaker to Momus. The poet's use of anaphora, repeating "Tis not" and "Though" at the beginning of lines, emphasizes the secondary significance of other gods compared to Momus. The recurring line "After Momus, god of mirth" underscores the speaker's ultimate devotion. The poem concludes in praising laughter as the one true constant source of joy, suggesting that the other gods' gifts often lead to pain and trouble. This highlights the central theme of the poem: the supremacy of laughter and mirth over all other aspects of life. The poem thus serves as a paean to joy and laughter, extolling their virtues above all else.

Exploring Lyric Poetry

Lyric poetry is a powerful and intimate form of expression, characterized by its focus on the personal emotions and thoughts of the poet. Often musical in nature, lyric poems resonate with readers through their vivid language and rhythmic flow, capturing moments of intense feeling.

Here are some key characteristics that define lyric poetry:

  • Expressive Language: Lyric poems use rich and evocative language to convey deep emotions, often painting a vivid picture of the poet's inner world.
  • Personal Perspective: Typically written in the first person, these poems offer a window into the poet's personal experiences, thoughts, and reflections.
  • Musicality: Lyric poems often feature a rhythmic structure, with meter and rhyme that give them a song-like quality, enhancing the emotional impact.

From ancient odes to contemporary free verse, lyric poetry remains a beloved and enduring form, celebrated for its ability to articulate the nuances of human emotion in a way that resonates deeply with readers.