Horace I, 4 by Eugene Field (1897)
The poem describes a boy's encounter with a griffin that has come to life. The boy is initially frightened but eventually befriends the creature, and they have a joyful time together playing and laughing. However, their happiness is short-lived as the griffin returns to its stone form, leaving the boy saddened by the loss of his new friend.
By Eugene Field · First published 1897 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Romanticism, Elegy · 198 words
First lines
'Tis spring! the boats bound to the sea; The breezes, loitering kindly over The fields, again bring herds and men The grateful cheer of honeyed clover.
Now Venus hither leads her train, The Nymphs and Graces join in orgies, The moon is bright and by her light Old Vulcan kindles up his forges.
Bind myrtle now about your brow, And weave fair flowers in maiden tresses -- Appease God Pan, who, kind to man, Our fleeting life with affluence blesses.
But let the changing seasons mind us That Death's the certain doom of mortals -- Grim Death who waits at humble gat And likewise stalks through kingly portals.
What this Textopian page supports
Horace I, 4 is listed on Textopian as a poem by Eugene Field, dated 1897 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: 1897 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Lyric Poetry, Romanticism, Elegy, Pastoral, Philosophical Poetry
- Length: 198 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Horace I, 4 by Eugene Field
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Horace I, 4?
- How does this poem by Eugene Field fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Lyric Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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- The Partridge by Eugene Field
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Genres
- Lyric Poetry — The poem expresses personal emotions and reflections on nature, love, and mortality, characteristic of lyric poetry.
- Romanticism — The themes of nature, beauty, and the transient nature of life align with Romantic ideals.
- Elegy — The contemplation of death and the fleeting nature of life suggests elements of an elegy.
- Pastoral — The imagery of nature and rural life reflects pastoral themes.
Tags
Humor · Satire · Poetry · Social Commentary · Wit · Irony · Light Verse · Whimsical · Playful · Nonsensical · Absurdity · Fantasy