An Old Tale re-Told
The narrative unfolds in a desolate castle, once the home of Sir Hugh Clifford, now abandoned and overrun by nature. The speaker, a former page of Sir Hugh, recounts the tale of love and tragedy that transpired there. Sir Hugh, a nobleman, falls in love with Clara, the daughter of his family's rival, Baron Richard of Clare. Their love blossoms during secret meetings in the woods, despite the animosity between their families. As their romance deepens, Clara reveals that she is to be married off to an eastern earl, a union arranged by her father for political gain. Heartbroken, Sir Hugh proposes that they flee together, but Clara refuses, fearing for his life. Instead, she suggests a clandestine meeting on Christmas Eve at the postern door of the castle. On the fateful night, Sir Hugh waits anxiously in the snow, hoping for Clara's arrival. He watches the castle's festivities from a distance, filled with anticipation. However, Clara never appears. It is later revealed that she attempted to escape during her wedding festivities, but in her haste, she hid in a chest, which inadvertently locked her inside, leading to her demise. The story concludes with the aftermath of their tragic love. Sir Hugh, consumed by grief, joins the war in France, where he ultimately dies in battle. The baron also meets his end, and the estate passes to new owners. Years later, the castle is ransacked, and the skeleton of Clara is discovered in the chest, a haunting reminder of love lost and the cruel fate that befell her. The tale serves as a poignant reflection on the consequences of feuding families and the tragic cost of love.
By Madison Cawein · First published 1902 · Genre: Romantic Poetry, Historical Fiction, Tragedy · 3,492 words
First lines
From the terrace here, where the hills indent, You can see the uttermost battlement Of the castle there; the Cliffords' home; Where the seasons go and the seasons come And never a footstep else doth fall Save the prowling fox's; the ancient hall Echoes no voice save the owlet's call: Its turret chambers are homes for the bat; And its courts are tangled and wild to see; And where in the cellar was once the rat, The viper and toad move stealthily. Long years have passed since the place was burned, And he sailed to the wars in France and earned The name that he bears of the bold and true On his tomb. Long years, since my lord, Sir Hugh, Lived; and I was his favorite page, And the thing then happened; and he of an age When a man will love and be loved again, Or hie to the wars or a monastery, Or toil till he conquer his heart's sore pain, Or drink and forget it and finally bury.
What this Textopian page supports
An Old Tale re-Told is listed on Textopian as a short story by Madison Cawein, dated 1902 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Madison Cawein
- Date: 1902 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Romantic Poetry, Historical Fiction, Tragedy, Narrative Poetry, Gothic Literature
- Length: 3,492 words
- Structure: 1 section, 17 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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- Work identity for An Old Tale re-Told by Madison Cawein
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Genres
- Romantic Poetry — The poem centers on a romantic relationship between Sir Hugh and Clara of Clare, exploring themes of love, longing, and tragedy.
- Historical Fiction — The narrative is set in a historical context, referencing medieval characters and events, which adds depth to the romantic plot.
- Tragedy — The story culminates in loss and despair, characteristic of tragic literature, as the lovers are ultimately separated by fate.
- Narrative Poetry — The poem tells a story through verse, employing a narrative structure that unfolds the events and emotions of the characters.
Tags
Fiction · Nostalgia · Coming-of-age · Family drama · Small-town life · Love story · Tragic love · Romance · Historical fiction · Period piece · Social commentary · Morality tale