Horace I, 5 by Eugene Field (1893)
The poem describes a child's fascination with a swallow's nest on a windowsill. The speaker notes the careful construction of the nest and the eggs inside, wondering how the mother swallow will feed her young. The poem explores themes of nature, innocence, and the cycle of life.
By Eugene Field · First published 1893 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Romanticism, Elegy · 146 words
First lines
What perfumed, posie-dizened sirrah, With smiles for diet, Clasps you, O fair but faithless Pyrrha, On the quiet? For whom do you bind up your tresses, As spun-gold yellow -- Meshes that go with your caresses, To snare a fellow?
How will he rail at fate capricious, And curse you duly; Yet now he deems your wiles delicious -- _You_ perfect truly! Pyrrha, your love's a treacherous ocean -- He'll soon fall in there! Then shall I gloat on his commotion, For _I_ have been there!
What this Textopian page supports
Horace I, 5 is listed on Textopian as a poem by Eugene Field, dated 1893 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: 1893 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Lyric Poetry, Romanticism, Elegy, Classical Literature, Satire
- Length: 146 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Lyric Poetry — The work is characterized by its personal expression of emotions and thoughts, typical of lyric poetry.
- Romanticism — Themes of love, beauty, and emotional depth align with the Romantic genre.
- Elegy — The poem reflects on love and loss, common elements in elegiac poetry.
- Classical Literature — The reference to Pyrrha and the style of the poem connect it to classical literary traditions.
Tags
Humor · Satire · Poetry · Classical allusion · Roman Empire · Ancient civilization · Historical figure · Literary device · Irony · Wit · Sarcasm · Cultural commentary