Horace to His Lute by Eugene Field
The poem is a lamentation of the loss of childhood innocence and joy. The speaker mourns the passing of time and how it has taken away the carefree nature of youth. He addresses his lute, an instrument often associated with music and poetry, as if it were a person that could understand his sorrow.
By Eugene Field · First published 1896 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Romanticism, Classical Literature · 161 words
First lines
If ever in the sylvan shade A song immortal we have made, Come now, O lute, I pri' thee come -- Inspire a song of Latium.
A Lesbian first thy glories proved -- In arms and in repose he loved To sweep thy dulcet strings and raise His voice in Love's and Liber's praise; The Muses, too, and him who clings To Mother Venus' apron-strings, And Lycus beautiful, he sung In those old days when you were young.
O shell, that art the ornament Of Phoebus, bringing sweet content To Jove, and soothing troubles all -- Come and requite me, when I call!
What this Textopian page supports
Horace to His Lute 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: Lyric Poetry, Romanticism, Classical Literature, Elegy, Pastoral
- Length: 161 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Horace to His Lute?
- 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
- Horace Ii 3 by Eugene Field
- Horace Iii 13 by Eugene Field
- Horace I 34 by Eugene Field
- Horace I 23 by Eugene Field
- Horace I 31 by Eugene Field
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Genres
- Lyric Poetry — The poem's focus on personal emotion and musicality aligns it closely with the characteristics of lyric poetry.
- Romanticism — Themes of nature, love, and nostalgia reflect the ideals of Romanticism.
- Classical Literature — References to classical figures and themes indicate a connection to classical literature.
- Elegy — The reflective tone and invocation of the lute suggest elements of an elegy.
Tags
Poetry · Musical Instrument · Lute · Classical Reference · Roman Inspiration · Whimsical · Light Verse · Humorous · Playful · Witty · Satirical · Irony