HORACE. (Epode XIV.) by Eugene Field
The poem describes a scene where Horace, a Roman poet, is sitting at his Sabine farm, surrounded by nature and contemplating the fleeting nature of human life. He reflects on how people are often distracted by worldly pursuits and neglect their spiritual well-being. The poem conveys a sense of melancholy and introspection, urging the reader to focus on what truly matters in life.
By Eugene Field · First published 1896 · Genre: Poetry, Satire, Classical Literature · 228 words
First lines
You ask me, friend, Why I don't send The long since due-and-paid-for numbers -- Why, songless, I As drunken lie Abandoned to Lethaean slumbers.
Long time ago (As well you know) I started in upon that carmen; My work was vain -- But why complain? When gods forbid, how helpless are men!
Some ages back, The sage Anack Courted a frisky Samian body, Singing her praise In metered phrase As flowing as his bowls of toddy.
'Till I was hoarse Might I discourse Upon the cruelties of Venus -- 'Twere waste of time As well of rhyme, For you've been there yourself, Maecenas!
What this Textopian page supports
HORACE. (Epode XIV.) is listed on Textopian as a poem by Eugene Field, dated 1896 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Eugene Field
- Date: 1896 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Satire, Classical Literature, Lyric, Elegy
- Length: 228 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for HORACE. (Epode XIV.) by Eugene Field
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering HORACE. (Epode XIV.)?
- How does this poem by Eugene Field fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Horace I 20 by Eugene Field
- Horace I 5 by Eugene Field
- Heres Looking by Oliver Herford
- Horace Iv 1 by Eugene Field
- Horace To Melpomene by Eugene Field
- Horace On His Muscle Epode Vi by Eugene Field
Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse and employs meter and rhyme, characteristic of poetry.
- Satire — The poem critiques themes of love and fortune, using humor and irony to address societal norms.
- Classical Literature — The references to classical figures and themes align the work with classical literary traditions.
- Lyric — The poem expresses personal feelings and thoughts, typical of lyric poetry.
Tags
Satire · Poetry · Ancient_Roman_Reference · Humor · Irony · Social_Commentary · Moral_Reflections · Wit · Sarcasm · Cynicism · Critique_of_Society · Roman_Influence