The Greater Love
The poem explores the theme of selfless love and sacrifice. It describes a romantic relationship where one partner loves the other more intensely, willing to surrender their own happiness for the sake of the beloved. The speaker acknowledges that this kind of love is rare and often unrequited, but it is what makes life worth living.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1885 · Genre: Poetry, Philosophical, Inspirational · 264 words
First lines
Hear thou my prayer, great God of opulence; Give me no blessings, save as recompense For blessings which I lovingly bestow On needy stranger or on suffering foe. If Wealth, by chance, should on my path appear, Let Wisdom and Benevolence stand near, And Charity within my portal wait, To guard me from acquaintance intimate.
Yet in this intricate great art of living Guide me away from misdirected giving, And show me how to spur the laggard soul To strive alone once more to gain the goal.
Repay my worldly efforts to attain Only as I develop heart and brain; Nor brand me with the ‘Dollar Sign' above A bosom void of sympathy and love.
What this Textopian page supports
The Greater Love is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1885 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: 1885 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Philosophical, Inspirational, Religious, Self-Help
- Length: 264 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
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Similar titles
- Sympathy by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Love Is Not Blind by Edna St Vincent Millay
- More Fortunate by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- The Trio by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Love Is Not All by Edna St Vincent Millay
- As By Fire by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
Genres
- Poetry — The text is written in verse form with a focus on rhythm and meter.
- Philosophical — The themes revolve around moral and ethical considerations, such as wisdom, benevolence, and the true meaning of success.
- Inspirational — The content aims to inspire readers to live a life of charity, wisdom, and moral integrity.
- Religious — The text includes prayers and appeals to a higher power, reflecting a spiritual dimension.
Tags
Romance · Poetry · Love · Relationships · Emotions · Passion · Desire · Longing · Heartbreak · Sorrow · Grief · Loss