“Each of the Arts whose office is to refine, purify, adorn, embellish and grace life is under the patronage of a muse, no god being found worthy to preside over them.” -Eliza Farnham

Inspired by a nonet of goddesses, aka the Muses, creative humans scale Olympian heights.

“O! for a muse of fire, that would ascend the brightest heaven of invention.” -William Shakespeare

The nine divines inspire artists of every stripe, to ink their brushes, tune their strings, tread the boards and raise humanity’s standards.

“Happy is the man whom the Muses love: sweet speech flows from his mouth.” -Hesiod

Among artists who win their favors, the Muses inspire works of epic proportions.

“Women are our most miraculous muse, an enchanted intangibility that encourages all art.” –CeeLo Green

Despite the diplomacy of the Graces, however, and the lobbying of the Virtues, the Fates have kept a tenth Muse under wraps.

“Peace cannot be kept by force; it can only be achieved by understanding.” -Albert Einstein

In banners of battle, they have draped the Muse of Peace.

“Peace is liberty in tranquillity.” -Cicero

This makes the Muse of  Tragedy smile.

“Peace begins with a smile.” -Mother Teresa Lest the Muse of Comedy weep, Terpsichore choreographs a dance-in, to free their kind sister from the cruel Fates.

“All the ills of mankind, all the tragic misfortunes that fill the history books, all the political blunders, all the failures of the great leaders have arisen merely from a lack of skill at dancing.” -Moliere

This peaceful demonstration unveils the Tenth Muse in all her glory, and conquers the Fates with her smile.

“Illustrious acts high raptures do infuse, And every conqueror creates a muse.” -Edmund Waller