The Cussed Damozel by Oliver Herford
Two lovers, each mourning the absence of their beloved, meet at a location known as the Golden Gate. They share their sorrow, weeping together for a year and a day until they can no longer produce tears. In their grief, they begin to sing about their respective loves, each claiming the beauty and virtues of their beloved. As they sing, they realize they are both in love with the same woman, Geraldyne. Each insists that she is theirs, claiming eternal promises made before death. In their desperation, they decide to descend to Earth to determine who truly possesses her love. Upon arriving, they find themselves at Geraldyne's wedding, which reveals the futility of their quest. Their hopes dashed, they return to their previous state, realizing that their love for her was unfulfilled and that they must accept their loss. The narrative explores themes of love, jealousy, and the pain of unrequited affection, ultimately highlighting the tragic nature of their situation.
By Oliver Herford · First published 1902 · Genre: Poetry, Romanticism, Fantasy · 442 words
First lines
A lover sate alone All by the Golden Gate, And made exceedynge moan Whiles he hys Love didde wait.
To him One coming prayed Why he didde weepe. Said he, "I weepe me for a maid Who cometh notte to mee."
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The Cussed Damozel is listed on Textopian as a short story by Oliver Herford, dated 1902 CE.
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- Work type: Short story
- Author: Oliver Herford
- Date: 1902 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romanticism, Fantasy, Tragedy, Humor
- Length: 442 words
- Structure: 1 section, 15 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse and employs poetic devices such as rhyme and meter.
- Romanticism — The themes of love, longing, and emotional expression align with Romantic ideals.
- Fantasy — The narrative includes supernatural elements, such as the characters flying to earth.
- Tragedy — The themes of unfulfilled love and sorrow contribute to a tragic tone.
Tags
Poetry · Satire · Social Commentary · Literary Fiction · 19th Century Literature · English Literature · Humor · Irony · Critique of Society · Feminism · Marriage · Love