Horace, Epode 6

[Bill Parsons]

Who are you to attack innocent strangers, you dog-- a coward against wolves? Why not turn these empty threats towards me, if you dare, one who will fight back? For like a Mollossian or tawny Laconian hound, a friendly force for the shepherd, I will drive through heavy snow, with ears picked up, whatever beast proceeds. You, once you have filled the woods with a timid howl, can sniff out the sop thrown down to you.

Beware! Beware! For I raise my ready horns harshly toward evil, as the spurned son-in-law towards the faithless Lycambes or the tireless enemy towards Bupolus. For, if you should attack with sharp tooth, shall I cry like an unavenged child?