Rondeau. To W. E. Henley by Edith Nesbit
The poem's speaker describes feeling trapped and uninspired by the mundane demands of making a living, with their creative spark stifled by the need to earn money. However, the arrival of a book from the addressee brings back a sense of wonder and beauty, reminiscent of a flowering May, and the speaker feels indebted to the sender for reviving their dreams and delights.
By Edith Nesbit · First published 1913 · Genre: Poetry, Victorian Literature, Biographical · 144 words
First lines
Dream and delight had passed away, / Their springs dried by the dusty day, / And sordid fetters bound me tight, / Forged for poor song by money-might; / I writhed, and could not get away.
There might have been no flowering may / In all the world -- life looked so gray / With dust of railways, choking quite / Dream and delight.
When, lo! your white book came my way, / With scent of honey-buds and hay, / Starshine and day-dawns pure and bright, / The rose blood-red, the may moon-white.
I owe you -- would I could repay -- / Dream and delight.
What this Textopian page supports
Rondeau. To W. E. Henley is listed on Textopian as a poem by Edith Nesbit, dated 1913 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Edith Nesbit
- Date: 1913 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Victorian Literature, Biographical
- Length: 144 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Rondeau. To W. E. Henley 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
Similar titles
- Rondeau To Austin Dobson by Edith Nesbit
- Song by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Noon by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Only A Simple Rhyme by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Time And Love by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- The Heights by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form, employing rhythmic and rhyming patterns typical of poetry.
- Victorian Literature — The work was written during the Victorian era and reflects the social and cultural themes of that period.
- Biographical — The work is addressed to a specific individual, suggesting a personal connection or reflection on the individual's life or character.
Tags
Poetry · Literary · Victorian Era · British Literature · Female Author · Dedication · Tribute · Friendship · Appreciation · Respect · Admiration · Inspirational