Horace II, 3 by Eugene Field (1894)
The poem explores the theme of childhood innocence and its loss. It describes a child's fascination with a swallow's nest and the subsequent destruction of the nest by a group of boys. The poem highlights the cruelty and senselessness of the act, emphasizing the loss of innocence that results from it.
By Eugene Field · First published 1894 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Elegy, Philosophical Poetry · 234 words
First lines
Be tranquil, Dellius, I pray; For though you pine your life away With dull complaining breath, Or speed with song and wine each day -- Still, still your doom is death.
Where the white poplar and the pine In glorious arching shade combine And the brook singing goes, Bid them bring store of nard and wine And garlands of the rose.
Let's live while chance and youth obtain -- Soon shall you quit this fair domain Kissed by the Tiber's gold, And all your earthly pride and gain Some heedless heir shall hold.
One ghostly boat shall some time bear From scenes of mirthfulness or care Each fated human soul! -- Shall waft and leave his burden where The waves of Lethe roll.
What this Textopian page supports
Horace II, 3 is listed on Textopian as a short story by Eugene Field, dated 1894 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Eugene Field
- Date: 1894 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Lyric Poetry, Elegy, Philosophical Poetry, Romanticism, Classical Literature
- Length: 234 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Horace II, 3 by Eugene Field
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Horace II, 3?
- How does this short story by Eugene Field fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Lyric Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Long Meter by Eugene Field
- Horace I 34 by Eugene Field
- Horace I 31 by Eugene Field
- Horace Iii 13 by Eugene Field
- Horace Iv 1 by Eugene Field
- Horace I 23 by Eugene Field
Genres
- Lyric Poetry — The work is characterized by its personal expression of emotions and thoughts, typical of lyric poetry.
- Elegy — The themes of mortality and the transient nature of life align with the characteristics of elegiac poetry.
- Philosophical Poetry — The poem reflects on life, death, and the human condition, indicating a philosophical exploration.
- Romanticism — The emphasis on nature, emotion, and individual experience aligns with Romantic literary themes.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Humor · Satire · Social Commentary · Whimsical · Fantastical · Imaginative · Playful · Lighthearted · Witty