Crossword Genius

Make speech confusing extremists with inspiring figure (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

erato

'inspiring figure' is the definition.
(muse of poetry in Greek mythology)

I don't understand how the remainder of the clue works.

(Other definitions for erato that I've seen before include "Arts patron" , "verses she inspired" , "goddess" , "One of nine" , "Inspiring female" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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