HORACE TO MAECENAS. (Odes III, 29.)
The poem describes a scene where the speaker addresses Maecenas, a wealthy and influential Roman patron of the arts, asking for his support and protection. The speaker presents himself as a poet who has been wronged by fortune and seeks refuge under Maecenas' powerful wing. He promises to be faithful and loyal in return for Maecenas' favor.
By Eugene Field · First published 1896 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Pastoral, Philosophical · 396 words
First lines
Dear noble friend! a virgin cask Of wine solicits attention -- And roses fair, to deck your hair, And things too numerous to mention, So tear yourself awhile away From urban turmoil, pride and splendor And deign to share what humble fare And sumptuous fellowship I tender; The sweet content retirement brings Smoothes out the ruffled front of kings.
The evil planets have combined To make the weather hot and hotter -- By parboiled streams the shepherd dreams Vainly of ice-cream soda-water; And meanwhile you, defying heat, With patriotic ardor ponder On what old Rome essays at home And what her heathen do out yonder.
What this Textopian page supports
HORACE TO MAECENAS. (Odes III, 29.) 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, Pastoral, Philosophical, Elegiac, Satire
- Length: 396 words
- Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Lyric Poetry — The work is characterized by personal expression and emotional depth, typical of lyric poetry.
- Pastoral — The themes of rural life, nature, and simplicity reflect pastoral elements.
- Philosophical — The exploration of contentment, fate, and the human condition indicates philosophical themes.
- Elegiac — The reflective tone and contemplation of life's burdens suggest elegiac qualities.
Tags
Ancient Rome · Poetry · Literary Criticism · Classical Literature · Roman Empire · Historical Fiction · Philosophy · Friendship · Patronage · Social Hierarchy · Wealth · Power Dynamics