E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Choriambic Metre.
Horace gives us a great variety, but the main feature in all is the prevalence of the choriambus (). Specimen translations of two of these metres are subjoined:
1
(1) Horace, 1 Odes, viii.
2
Lydia, why on Stanley,
By the great gods, tell me, I pray, ruinous love you centre?
Once he was strong and manly,
Never seen now, patient of toil, Mars’ sunny camp to e’ ter.
E. C. B.
(2) The other specimen is 1 Odes, xii.
3
When you, with an approving smile,
Praise those delicate arms, Lydy, of Telephus,
Ah me! how you stir up my bile!
Heart-sick, that for a boy you should forsake me thus.
