The Ballad of the Two Spells
A noblewoman's husband is placed under an enchanted sleep by a wicked witch. The wife seeks the help of a priest but decides to take matters into her own hands, willing to sell her soul to hell if necessary, to awaken her love. Meanwhile, the witch keeps the knight in her bower, surrounded by flowers and gems, waiting for him to wake up. The true wife discovers the witch's lair, confronts her, and learns the spell to break the enchantment. After speaking the spell, the knight awakens but is immediately enamored with the witch, ignoring his wife.
By Edith Nesbit · First published 1901 · Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Young Adult · 1,038 words
First lines
"Why dost thou weep? " the mass priest said; "Fair dame, why dost thou weep? " "I weep because my lord is laid In an enchanted sleep.
"It was upon our bridal day The bitter thing befel, My love and lord was lured away By an ill witch's spell.
What this Textopian page supports
The Ballad of the Two Spells is listed on Textopian as a short story by Edith Nesbit, dated 1901 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: 1901 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fantasy, Adventure, Young Adult, Romance
- Length: 1,038 words
- Structure: 1 section, 27 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Ballad of the Two Spells by Edith Nesbit
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Ballad of the Two Spells?
- 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
- A Prayer For The Kings Majesty by Edith Nesbit
- The Vain Spell by Edith Nesbit
- Belinda And Bellamant Or The Bells Of Carrillon Land by Edith Nesbit
- White Magic by Edith Nesbit
- The Magic Ring by Edith Nesbit
- Half A Hero by Antonio Hope
Genres
- Fantasy — The narrative revolves around magic, spells, and fantastical elements.
- Adventure — The plot involves a quest and exploration of unknown territories.
- Young Adult — The story is suitable for and targets a young adult audience.
- Romance — There are elements of love and relationships within the narrative.
Tags
Fantasy · Magic · Adventure · Romance · Medieval · Fiction · Young Adult · Classic · Literature · British Literature · Children's Fiction · Witches