Horace to Pyrrha by Eugene Field
The poem explores the theme of unrequited love and the pain it brings. The speaker describes his longing for Pyrrha, comparing her to a flower that has been plucked and can never be restored to its original beauty. He laments that he cannot have her, and that she is now lost to him forever.
By Eugene Field · First published 1897 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Romanticism, Elegy · 149 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 to Pyrrha is listed on Textopian as a poem by Eugene Field, dated 1897 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: 1897 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Lyric Poetry, Romanticism, Elegy, Classical Literature, Satire
- Length: 149 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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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's transience and the pain of betrayal, common in elegiac poetry.
- Classical Literature — The title references Horace, indicating a connection to classical themes and styles.
Tags
Ancient Greece · Philosophy · Epistolary · Satire · Humor · Wit · Irony · Classical allusions · Poetic license · Whimsical · Lighthearted · Playful