Epigram 9: The fewest words are still exprest

The fewest words are still exprest
By him who gain’d at Bacchus’ feast,
He says in simple phrase, “I’ve won.”
But Phœbus’ more unlucky son,
Whose prize is gone, whose hopes are crost,
Should any ask how he had lost,
On fickle fortune throws the blame,
And tells in long harangues his claim:
No judges hence the prize assign ;
Oh may the shortest phrase be mine.