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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


ODES I, 23: VITAS HINNULEO by QUINTUS HORATIUS FLACCUS

First Line: YOU SHUN ME, CHLOE, WILD AND SHY
Last Line: AS SOME STRAY FAWN THAT SEEKS ITS MOTHER.

YOU shun me, Chloe, wild and shy
As some stray fawn that seeks its mother
Through trackless woods. If spring-winds sigh,
It vainly strives its fears to smother; --

Its trembling knees assail each other
When lizards stir the bramble dry; --
You shun me, Chloe, wild and shy
As some stray fawn that seeks its mother.

And yet no Libyan lion I, --
No ravening thing to rend another;
Lay by your tears, your tremors by --
A Husband's better than a brother;
Nor shun me, Chloe, wild and shy
As some stray fawn that seeks its mother.



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