Horace, Seventh Epode Poem by James Clerk Maxwell

Horace, Seventh Epode

Rating: 3.1


Whither, whither, reckless Romans,
Are you rushing, sword in hand?
Has not yet the blood of brothers,
Fully stained the sea and land?

Not that raging conflagration
Should o’er fallen Carthage play;
Not that the unconquered Briton
Should descend the sacred way.

"Rome," exclaims the joyful Parthian,
"Ruin for herself prepares;
Wolves with wolves are never savage,
Lion lion never tears."

Is this fury? is it madness?
Speedy answer I demand;
Foolish, blinded, guilty Romans,
Silent, stupefied you stand. [590]

Thus ’tis fated, blood of brothers
Must atone for brothers’ guilt,
Since the blood of injured Remus
Romulus in anger spilt.

COMMENTS OF THE POEM
Edward Kofi Louis 14 September 2019

Sword in hand! ! Ready to kill. Thanks for sharing this poem with us.

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Egbebi Mariam 14 September 2019

I like the way you use metaphor in your poem. Keep it

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Panagiota Romios 14 September 2019

Well written, I see you know history...Good for you.

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Uche Nwanze 14 September 2019

' Is this fury? Is it madness? Speedy answer I demand' A fascinating poem deserving of POD

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Uche Nwanze 14 September 2019

' is this fury? Is it madness? Speedy answer I demand' A fascinating piece of poetry deserving of POD

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Mahtab Bangalee 14 September 2020

Wolves with wolves are never savage, Lion lion never tears." ........it's great expressive poem; beautifully crafted; wise expression; something I feel it's historical poem

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paul amrod 14 September 2020

Actually a protest war poem over the brutality of a autocratic Rome.

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Hannatu Adamu 14 September 2020

When will the " blood of brothers" cease to be shed? Great piece!

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Ruta Mohapatra 14 September 2020

The rhyming is too good! It is so sing song!

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Andrew Blakemore 14 September 2020

A great poem of historical importance.

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