Epodes 6 (Creech): Quid Immerentis

BAse coward Curr when harmless strangers come,
You snarl and bark about the Room;
But when a fierce and shagged Wolf appears,
How soon you whine, and hang your Ears!
Come, make at me, if you resolve to fight,
For I have Teeth, and dare to bite:
The generous Mastiff I of Noble sense
The careful Shepherd's kind defense;
With Ears an-end thro Snow and Frost pursue
What ever Beast I have in view:
When Thou the Woods with frightful sounds has shook
Thou leap'st for every little Brook:
Take heed, take heed, to Rogues a deadly Foe
I'me still prepar'd to strike the blow;
As sharp as fierce Archilochus his Song
Like Hipponax revenge a wrong;
If any malice wounds my Fame, shall I
Like a poor Child sit down and cry?