Fescennine Verses

Fescennine verses are early Roman rustic songs made up of spirited back-and-forth taunts, jokes, and playful insult. They were often sung at harvest festivals and weddings, where the rough humor was meant to entertain and, at first, to bring good luck or ward off evil. Over time, the form became so scurrilous that it was sometimes restrained by law.

Example

Bride, you've caught the brightest fox in town-
but he'll still dance when you wear the crown.
Groom, keep your wit and your appetite light,
for the bride's sharp tongue will answer tonight.

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