Via Amoris by Edith Nesbit (1909)
The poem explores the speaker's introspection on whether their emotions are driven by love or something else. They initially deny that it is love, citing that love has been dead for years and they do not wish for its return. Instead, they attribute their feelings to a "ghost out of another Spring" that brings them comfort in solitude. The speaker then ponders if their pain could be the rebirth of love, but concludes that even if it were, they would have to relinquish it again. They question why they should turn away from this potential love, but ultimately decide that it is not worth the risk. In a moment of vulnerability, the speaker prepares their heart for love's arrival, only to realize that it was not love that came knocking. They reaffirm that love is dead and cannot rise from its grave. However, in a surprising turn, the speaker encounters a heavenly form that whispers "It is I, be not afraid!" This encounter reveals that what they have been feeling is indeed love, but not a romantic or passionate one. Instead, it is an austere and infinitely dear love that requires sacrifice and devotion.
By Edith Nesbit · First published 1909 · Genre: Romance, Adventure, Historical Fiction · 808 words
First lines
I.
IT is not Love, this beautiful unrest, This tremor of longing that invades my breast: For Love is in his grave this many a year, He will not rise -- I do not wish him here.
What this Textopian page supports
Via Amoris is listed on Textopian as a short story by Edith Nesbit, dated 1909 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: 1909 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Romance, Adventure, Historical Fiction, Fantasy
- Length: 808 words
- Structure: 1 section, 15 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Via Amoris 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 Via Amoris?
- How does this short story by Edith Nesbit fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Romance first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Surrender by Edith Nesbit
- Love And Life by Edith Nesbit
- Her Marriage Lines by Edith Nesbit
- The Manchester Marriage by Elizabeth Gaskell
- Guinevere by Elizabeth Stuart Phelps Ward
- Love Song by Edith Nesbit
Genres
- Romance — The narrative primarily revolves around love and relationships.
- Adventure — The plot includes elements of exploration and discovery.
- Historical Fiction — The story is set in a specific historical period and includes references to historical events.
- Fantasy — The narrative includes elements of magic and the supernatural.
Tags
Romance · Victorian Era · Social Class · Marriage · Love Triangle · Family Drama · Women's Rights · Feminism · Societal Expectations · Personal Freedom · Emotional Struggle · Moral Dilemma