Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

ODES III, 20. TO PYRRHA by QUINTUS HORATIUS FLACCUS

First Line: DRY PYRRHUS, LITTLE DOST THOU KNOW
Last Line: DO WHAT YOU CAN.
DRY Pyrrhus, little dost thou know,
What 'tis to make a whelp forgo
His lioness, -- faith 'twill not do!
It will be so.

Nearchus understands his game,
If he resolves to quit his fame,
What's that to you? To save his name
You'll purchase shame.

If before peace you war prefer,
Shoot at his butt -- you'll find from her
A Rowland for your Oliver,
That I dare swear.

He is a gay, and sanguine man,
His periwig the wind does fan,
And she will hug him, now and than,
Do what you can.



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