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.
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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
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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: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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