The Temptation by Edith Nesbit
The poem's speaker is a disillusioned and regretful individual who has squandered their capacity for love on frivolous pursuits. They acknowledge being emotionally bankrupt, having spent their emotional resources on worthless things. The speaker warns a potential lover to leave them, as they have nothing to offer, no flowers, songs, or hope of redemption. They relinquish the heart lent to them, fearing they might betray again. The poem concludes with the speaker imploring God to teach them how to pray, hoping to avoid future torment and remain faithful.
By Edith Nesbit · First published 1893 · Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Children's Literature · 274 words
First lines
YOU bring your love too late, dear, I have no love to buy it, I spent my love on worthless toys, at fairs you do not know; I am a bankrupt trader -- dear eyes, do not deny it, I could have bought your love, dear, but that was long ago.
My soul has left me widowed, my heart has made me orphan, Leave me -- all good things, dear, have left me -- leave me too! For here is ice no tears of yours, no smiles of yours can soften: Leave me, leave me, leave me, I have no love for you!
What this Textopian page supports
The Temptation is listed on Textopian as a short story by Edith Nesbit, dated 1893 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: 1893 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fantasy, Adventure, Children's Literature
- Length: 274 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Temptation by Edith Nesbit
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Temptation?
- 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 Soothsayers Son by Joseph Jacobs
- The Horned Owl by Basil Hall Chamberlain
- The Guardian Angel by Edith Nesbit
- The White Cat by Edith Nesbit
- The Stolen God Lazarus To Dives by Edith Nesbit
- The Enchanted Cave Of Cesh Corran by James Stephens
Genres
- Fantasy — The narrative involves magical elements and supernatural events.
- Adventure — The plot includes a journey and exploration, with elements of danger and excitement.
- Children's Literature — The story is written in a manner that is suitable and engaging for young readers.
Tags
Fantasy · Children's Literature · Adventure · Magic · Good vs Evil · Temptation · Morality · Christian Fiction · Allegory · Fable · Mystery · Supernatural