Sleep's Treachery by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
The poem explores the theme of deception and betrayal in a romantic relationship. The speaker describes how their lover's kiss was once sweet but has now turned to treachery, implying that the partner has been unfaithful. The poem expresses a sense of shock, sadness, and disillusionment as the speaker struggles to come to terms with the betrayal.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1886 · Genre: Poetry, Romantic, Fantasy · 177 words
First lines
As the grey twilight, tiptoed down the deep / And shadowy valley, to the day's dark end, / She whom I thought my ever-faithful friend, / Fair-browed, calm-eyed and mother-bosomed Sleep, / Met me with smiles. ‘Poor longing heart, I keep / Sweet joy for you,' she murmured. ‘I will send / One whom you love, with your own soul to blend / In visions, as the night hours onward creep.'
I trusted her; and watched by starry beams, / I slumbered soundly, free from all alarms. / Then not my love, but one long banished came, / Led by false Sleep, down secret stairs of dreams / And clasped me, unresisting in fond arms. / Oh, treacherous sleep-to sell me to such shame!
What this Textopian page supports
Sleep's Treachery is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1886 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: 1886 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romantic, Fantasy, Drama, Psychological
- Length: 177 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Sleep's Treachery by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Poetry — The text is written in verse with a focus on rhythm and meter.
- Romantic — Themes of love and longing are central to the narrative.
- Fantasy — Elements of dreams and surreal experiences are prominent.
- Drama — The emotional intensity and conflict within the narrative suggest dramatic elements.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Romanticism · Love Poems · Heartbreak · Longing · Melancholy · Sorrow · Loss · Grief · Mourning