Lais When Young by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
The poem explores the theme of nostalgia and longing for youth. It describes the beauty and vitality of a young woman, emphasizing her physical attractiveness and energetic spirit. The speaker reflects on how this youthful beauty will eventually fade with age, leaving only memories of its former glory. The poem conveys a sense of melancholy and regret, highlighting the transience of life and the inevitability of decline.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1884 · Genre: Poetry, Romance, Classical Literature · 169 words
First lines
Lais when young, and all her charms in flower, / Lais, whose beauty was the fateful light / That led great ships to anchor in the night / And bring their priceless cargoes to her bower, / Lais yet found her cup of sweet turned sour. / Great Plato's pupil, from his lofty height, / Zenocrates, unmoved, had seen the white / Sweet wonder of her, and defied her power.
She snared the world in nets of subtle wiles: / The proud, the famed, all clamoured at her gate; / Dictators plead, inside her portico; / Wisdom sought madness, in her favouring smiles; / Now was she made the laughing-stock of fate: / One loosed her clinging arms, and bade her go.
What this Textopian page supports
Lais When Young 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, Romance, Classical Literature, Drama, Historical Fiction
- Length: 169 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Lais When Young by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Genres
- Poetry — The text is written in verse form with a focus on meter and rhyme.
- Romance — The themes revolve around love, beauty, and relationships.
- Classical Literature — References to historical figures and classical themes are prevalent.
- Drama — The narrative includes dramatic elements of fate, rejection, and emotional turmoil.
Tags
Romance · Poetry · Love · Youth · Beauty · Passion · Desire · Longing · Nature · Imagery · Sensuality · Emotion