Lais When Old by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
The poem explores the theme of nostalgia and longing for a past love that has been lost. The speaker reflects on how they were once young and full of life, but now they are old and their beauty has faded. They remember the passion and excitement of their youth, but it is now nothing more than a distant memory.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1884 · Genre: Poetry, Tragedy, Historical Fiction · 167 words
First lines
Lais, when old and all her beauty gone, Lais, the erstwhile courted pleasure queen, Walked homeless through Corinth. One mocked her mien- One tossed her coins; she took them and passed on. Down by the harbour sloped a terraced lawn, Where fountains played; she paused to view the scene. A marble palace stood in bowers of green 'Twas here of old she revelled till the dawn.
Through yonder portico her lovers came- Hero and statesman, athlete, merchant, sage; They flung the whole world's treasures at her feet To buy her favour and exalt her shame.
She spat upon her dole of coins in rage And faded like a phantom down the street.
What this Textopian page supports
Lais When Old is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1884 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Date: 1884 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Tragedy, Historical Fiction, Drama, Philosophical Fiction
- Length: 167 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Similar titles
- His Youth by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- An Old Man To His Sleeping Young Bride by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Before And After by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Age Comes A Wooing by Joyce Kilmer
- A Picture by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Friendship After Love by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
Genres
- Poetry — The text is written in verse form with a focus on rhythm and meter.
- Tragedy — The narrative centers on the downfall and suffering of the protagonist, Lais.
- Historical Fiction — The setting and characters are rooted in historical context, specifically ancient Corinth.
- Drama — The emotional and social conflicts experienced by Lais are central to the narrative.
Tags
Poetry · Romance · Love · Relationships · Aging · Wisdom · Life Lessons · Philosophy · Reflection · Nostalgia · Melancholy · Longing