Books and the man I sing, the first who brings 
          The Smithfield Muses to the ears of Kings.

     It seemed quite unnatural to the “polite world” of the time 
that decision-making and kingly rule should be accessible to 
popular authors. We no longer consider it odd or revolting to be 
ruled by people for whom the book of the month might appear 
quite respectable fare. Smithfield, where Bartholomew Fair was 
kept, was still a place for book-peddling. But in later editions 
Pope changed the opening:

     The mighty Mother, and her Son, who brings 
     The Smithfield Muses to the ear of Kings.

He has encountered the public, the collective unconscious, and 
dubbed it “the mighty Mother,” in accordance with the