To Albius Tibullus II

By Eugene Field

Lyric Poem
    Grieve not, my Albius, if thoughts of Glycera may haunt you,     Nor chant your mournful elegies because she faithless proves;     If now a younger man than you this cruel charmer loves,     Let not the kindly favors of the past rise up to taunt you.     Lycoris of the little brow for Cyrus feels a passion,     And Cyrus, on the other hand, toward Pholoe inclines;     But ere this crafty Cyrus can accomplish his designs     She-goats will wed Apulian wolves in deference to fashion.     Such is the will, the cruel will, of love-inciting Venus,     Who takes delight in wanton sport and ill-considered jokes,     And brings ridiculous misfits beneath her brazen yokes,--     A very infelicitous proceeding, just between us.     As for myself, young Myrtale, slave-born and lacking graces,     And wilder than the Adrian tides which form Calabrian bays,     Entangled me in pleasing chains and compromising ways,     When--just my luck--a better girl was courting my embraces.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem is a poignant exploration of unrequited love and the fickle nature of romantic relationships, intertwined with a subtle critique of societal norms. The tone is one of resigned bitterness and melancholic acceptance, which is reflected in the speaker's lament about the capriciousness of love, as exemplified by Albius's unreciprocated feelings for Glycera and other mismatched love interests.

The poem's structure, comprising four quatrains, lends itself to the narrative flow, each stanza introducing a new vignette into the complex web of misaligned affections. The recurring theme of love being a game of Venus, who is portrayed as a capricious deity delighting in ill-considered matches, adds a layer of divine whimsicality to human suffering.

The poet uses engaging metaphors and vivid imagery to highlight the absurdity of these romantic entanglements, such as the unlikely union of "she-goats" with "Apulian wolves". This absurdity is further emphasized in the final stanza, where the speaker himself is ensnared by the charms of Myrtale, a slave-born woman described as wilder than the tides, despite the attention of 'better' prospects. Overall, the poem is a captivating blend of lamentation, satire, and resigned acceptance of love's unpredictable whims.

Exploring Lyric Poetry

Lyric poetry is a powerful and intimate form of expression, characterized by its focus on the personal emotions and thoughts of the poet. Often musical in nature, lyric poems resonate with readers through their vivid language and rhythmic flow, capturing moments of intense feeling.

Here are some key characteristics that define lyric poetry:

  • Expressive Language: Lyric poems use rich and evocative language to convey deep emotions, often painting a vivid picture of the poet's inner world.
  • Personal Perspective: Typically written in the first person, these poems offer a window into the poet's personal experiences, thoughts, and reflections.
  • Musicality: Lyric poems often feature a rhythmic structure, with meter and rhyme that give them a song-like quality, enhancing the emotional impact.

From ancient odes to contemporary free verse, lyric poetry remains a beloved and enduring form, celebrated for its ability to articulate the nuances of human emotion in a way that resonates deeply with readers.