Accession by Edith Nesbit (1904)
The poem explores the theme of empowerment and reversal of roles in a romantic relationship. Initially, the speaker is depicted as a submissive and sorrowful lover, with their heart bowed down to a dominant partner who is likened to a king. The partner's laughter and mocking gaze exacerbate the speaker's pain and despair. However, the poem takes a dramatic turn as the speaker declares that they have broken free from this oppressive dynamic, assuming the role of power and dominance themselves. They now wear the symbols of royalty, ascending the throne and wielding the sceptre and orb. The speaker's tone is one of triumph and detachment, as they smile victoriously and turn their eyes away from the pleas and tears of their former lover.
By Edith Nesbit · First published 1904 · Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Children's Literature · 180 words
First lines
ONCE I loved, and my heart bowed down, Subject and slave, for Love was a King; He sat above with sceptre and crown, Turning his eyes from my sorrowing.
The laugh of a god on his lips lay light -- His lips victorious that mocked my pain, And I mourned in the cold and the outer night, And my tears and my prayers were vain.
Now the old spell is over and done, Myself I wear the ermine and gold, My brows are crowned, I ascend the throne, I have taken the sceptre and orb to hold.
I smile victorious, set far above The music of voices that moan and pray, My feet are wet with the tears of love, And I turn my eyes away.
What this Textopian page supports
Accession is listed on Textopian as a short story by Edith Nesbit, dated 1904 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Edith Nesbit
- Date: 1904 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fantasy, Adventure, Children's Literature
- Length: 180 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Accession by Edith Nesbit
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Accession?
- How does this short story by Edith Nesbit fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Fantasy first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Deliverers Of Their Country by Edith Nesbit
- Tommelise by Hans Christian Andersen
- The Destroyer by Edith Nesbit
- Fortunatus Rex Co by Edith Nesbit
- The Magic Ring by Edith Nesbit
- The Fire by Edith Nesbit
Genres
- Fantasy — The narrative involves magical elements and supernatural events.
- Adventure — The plot revolves around a quest or journey, involving various challenges and obstacles.
- Children's Literature — The story is written in a manner that is suitable and engaging for young readers.
Tags
Fantasy · Children's Literature · Adventure · Royalty · Magic · Coming of Age · Self-Discovery · Friendship · Loyalty · Courage · Honor · Duty