When First I Saw Thee

Name: When First I Saw Thee
Author: Gilbert Parker

When First I Saw Thee is a novel by Gilbert Parker that tells the story of a young woman named Margaret who falls in love with a man named John. The book explores themes of love, loss, and redemption as Margaret navigates her way through life's challenges.

By Gilbert Parker · First published 1903 · Genre: Poetry, Romance, Philosophical · 159 words

First lines

When first I saw thee, lady, straightway came The thought that somehow, somewhere, destiny, Through blinding paths of happiness or blame, Would bend my way of life, my soul to thee.

But then I put it from me: was not I A wanderer? To-morrow I should be In other lands-beside another sea; Nay, you were but a star-gleam in my sky.

And so I came not in your sight awhile, You gave no thought, and I passed not away; But like some traveller in a deep defile

I walked in darkness even through the day: Until at last the hands of Circumstance Pointed the hour that waked me from my trance.

What this Textopian page supports

When First I Saw Thee is listed on Textopian as a short story by Gilbert Parker, dated 1903 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Short story
Author: Gilbert Parker
Date: 1903 CE
Language: English
Genres: Poetry, Romance, Philosophical, Drama
Length: 159 words
Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

Good citation fit

Work identity for When First I Saw Thee by Gilbert Parker
Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters

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How does this short story by Gilbert Parker fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
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Similar titles

Genres

Poetry — The text is structured in verse form, employing rhyme and meter typical of poetry.
Romance — The theme revolves around love and destiny, central to romantic literature.
Philosophical — The narrative explores existential themes such as destiny and the nature of life.
Drama — The emotional intensity and personal conflict suggest elements of dramatic literature.