Thomas Bulfinch (1796–1867). Age of Fable: Vols. I & II: Stories of Gods and Heroes. 1913.

XXIV. h. Musæus

A SEMI-MYTHOLOGICAL personage who was represented by one tradition to be the son of Orpheus. He is said to have written sacred poems and oracles. Milton couples his name with that of Orpheus in his “Il Penseroso”:

“But O, sad virgin, that thy power

Might raise Musæus from his bower,

Or bid the soul of Orpheus sing

Such notes as warbled to the string,

Drew iron tears down Pluto’s cheek,

And made Hell grant what love did seek.”

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