The Tryst by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
The poem explores the theme of a romantic tryst between two lovers who have been separated by circumstances. The speaker describes the longing and yearning they feel for each other, and how they are drawn together despite the obstacles that stand in their way. The poem builds towards a climax as the lovers finally reunite, and the speaker expresses the joy and ecstasy of being reunited with their beloved.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1887 · Genre: Romance, Poetry, Drama · 592 words
First lines
Just when all hope had perished in my soul, And balked desire made havoc with my mind, My cruel Ladye suddenly grew kind, And sent these gracious words upon a scroll: "When knowing Night her dusky scarf has tied Across the bold, intrusive eyes of day, Come as a glad, triumphant lover may, No longer fearing that he be denied."
I read her letter for the hundredth time, And for the hundredth time my gladdened sight Blurred with the rapture of my vast delight, And swooned upon the page. I caught the chime Of far off bells, and at each silver note My heart on tiptoe pressed its eager ear Against my breast; it was such joy to hear The tolling of the hour of which she wrote.
What this Textopian page supports
The Tryst is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1887 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: 1887 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Romance, Poetry, Drama, Literary Fiction, Gothic
- Length: 592 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Tryst by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Tryst?
- How does this poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Romance first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Romance — The central theme revolves around a romantic tryst and the emotions associated with love and desire.
- Poetry — The work is written in a poetic form with a focus on lyrical expression and imagery.
- Drama — The narrative includes dramatic elements such as anticipation, emotional intensity, and a climactic meeting.
- Literary Fiction — The writing style emphasizes artistic expression and explores complex emotional states.
Tags
Romance · Poetry · Love · Tragedy · Drama · Infidelity · Marriage · Deception · Secrets · Lies · Betrayal · Heartbreak