# CCXV explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Ambrose Bierce.

## What happens

A brief chapter advising immediate action in response to wrongdoing, using the metaphor of a lion's attack versus a dog's persistent tracking.

## Themes in this chapter

### Justice and Revenge

The chapter counsels striking when the wrong is fresh, emphasizing the importance of timely retribution.

## Key lines

> Let not the night on thy resentment fall: Strike when the wrong is fresh, or not at all. The lion ceases if his first leap fail⁠— ’Tis only dogs that nose a cooling trail.

Do not let your anger cool overnight; act on the offense immediately or not at all. A lion gives up if its first attack misses, but only dogs persist in following a cold scent.

_The chapter uses animal imagery to contrast decisive action with futile persistence._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_se/chapters/ccxv
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_se/chapters