The Whirligig of Time
The story revolves around a romantic relationship between a former king and his beloved. The narrator, who is now a slave, presents his lover with a crown from another land, revealing that he was once a royal figure in a distant time and place.
By Edith Nesbit · First published 1929 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Adventure, Romance · 91 words
First lines
BEFORE your feet, My love, my sweet, Behold! your slave bows down; And in his hands From other lands Brings you another crown.
For in far climes, In bygone times, Myself was royal too: Oh, I have been A king, my queen, Who am a slave for you!
What this Textopian page supports
The Whirligig of Time is listed on Textopian as a short story by Edith Nesbit, dated 1929 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: 1929 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Historical Fiction, Adventure, Romance, Fantasy
- Length: 91 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Whirligig of Time 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 The Whirligig of Time?
- How does this short story by Edith Nesbit fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Historical Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Old Dispensation by Edith Nesbit
- And The Rains Descended And The Floods Came by Edith Nesbit
- Magic by Edith Nesbit
- The Old Magic by Edith Nesbit
- White Magic by Edith Nesbit
- The Mill by Edith Nesbit
Genres
- Historical Fiction — The narrative is set in a specific historical period and includes real events of the time.
- Adventure — The plot involves a journey or quest with elements of danger and excitement.
- Romance — The narrative includes a significant focus on love and relationships.
- Fantasy — The narrative includes elements of magic and the supernatural.
Tags
Time Travel · Fantasy · Adventure · Children's Literature · Classic · British Literature · Early 20th Century · Science Fiction · Alternate History · Historical Fiction · Mystery · Thriller