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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


ODES I, 23. TO CHLOE (4) by QUINTUS HORATIUS FLACCUS

First Line: HOW HAPPENS IT, MY CRUEL MISS
Last Line: YOU'LL FIND THE POET'S LOVE IS METRE.
Subject(s): COURTSHIP; FEAR;

HOW happens it, my cruel miss,
You're always giving me the mitten?
You seem to have forgotten this:
That you no longer are a kitten!

A woman that has reached the years
Of that which people call discretion
Should put away all childish fears
And see in courtship no transgression.

A mother's solace may be sweet,
But Hymen's tenderness is sweeter;
And though all virile love be meet,
You'll find the poet's love is metre.



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