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.
Similar titles
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- Horace I 33 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
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: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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