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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


HORACE, SATYR 4.1 PARAPHRASED by ALEXANDER POPE

Poet Analysis

First Line: THE FOP, WHOSE PRIDE AFFECTS A PATRON'S NAME
Last Line: BUT SUCH A BABLING COXCOMB IN HIS STEAD.

1. The Fop, whose Pride affects a Patron's name,
Yet absent, wounds an author's honest fame:
2. That more abusive Fool, who calls me friend,
Yet wants the honour, injur'd to defend:
3. Who spreads a Tale, a Libel hands about,
Enjoys the Jest, and copies Scandal out:
4. Who to the Dean and Silver Bell can swear,
And sees at C--n--ons what was never there;
5. Who tells you all I mean, and all I say;
And, if he lyes not, must at least betray:
-- Tis not the sober Satyrist you should dread,
But such a babling Coxcomb in his stead.



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