Original Story：
When I was young I longed for Love,
And held his glory far above
All other earthly things.
I cried: “Come, Love, dear Love, with me abide;”
And with my subtlest art I wooed,
And eagerly the wight pursued.
But Love was gay and Love was shy,
He laughed at me and passed me by.
Well, I grew old and I grew gray,
When Wealth came wending down my way.
I took his golden hand with glee,
And comrades from that day were we.
Then Love came back with doleful face,
And prayed that I would give him place.
But, though his eyes with tears were dim,
I turned my back and laughed at him.
Story Explanation and Analysis
This poignant poem tells the story of a person’s shifting priorities in life, illustrated through the metaphorical characters of Love and Wealth. When the narrator is young, they deeply desire Love, valuing it above all else. They long for love’s companionship and try their best to win it over. However, love is elusive and playful, ignoring the narrator’s efforts.
As time passes and the narrator grows older, Wealth appears and becomes their new companion. The narrator embraces wealth eagerly and forms a strong bond with it. When love returns, seeking a place in the narrator’s life, it is rejected. The narrator, now focused on material riches, dismisses love despite its emotional appeal.
The poem explores themes of youthful idealism versus mature pragmatism, the transient nature of desires, and the choices people make between emotional fulfillment and material success. It suggests that sometimes, in the pursuit of wealth, people may neglect the deeper, more meaningful connections symbolized by love.
Background and Author Introduction
This poem is a classic example of allegorical poetry, where abstract ideas like Love and Wealth are personified to convey a moral lesson. Although the author’s name is not provided here, such poems were common in English literature from the Romantic period onward, when writers often explored themes of emotion, human nature, and societal values.
The poem’s style—simple yet profound—makes it accessible to children and adults alike, encouraging reflection on what truly matters in life. It serves as a timeless reminder that while wealth can bring comfort, it cannot replace the warmth and joy that love offers.
Reflection and Learning Points for Children and Students
What can children learn from this story?
- The value of love and relationships: Love is portrayed as something precious and worth pursuing, even if it seems difficult to attain.
- The dangers of prioritizing wealth over emotional connections: The poem warns that focusing solely on money can lead to loneliness and regret.
- Understanding life’s changing priorities: As people grow, their goals and desires may change, but it’s important to remember what truly enriches life.
Knowledge and skills to gain:
- Literary devices: Students can learn about personification (giving human traits to Love and Wealth), metaphor, and allegory.
- Vocabulary: Words like wooed, wight, doleful, and glee can be explored for deeper understanding.
- Critical thinking: Analyzing why the narrator chooses wealth over love invites discussion about values and choices.
Real-life applications and inspirations:
- In relationships: Children can learn to appreciate kindness and emotional bonds rather than material gifts.
- In decision-making: The story encourages balancing practical needs with emotional wellbeing.
- In personal growth: Understanding that life involves making choices and sometimes facing regrets can help build maturity.
Reading Comprehension Questions
- What did the narrator value most when they were young?
- How did Love behave when the narrator tried to win him over?
- What changed when the narrator grew old?
- How did the narrator react when Love returned later in life?
- What is the main message of this poem?
Answers
- The narrator valued Love above all other things when they were young.
- Love was gay and shy, and he laughed at the narrator and passed by without staying.
- When the narrator grew old, Wealth came into their life, and they embraced it happily.
- The narrator turned their back and laughed at Love when he returned, choosing Wealth instead.
- The main message is that people often prioritize wealth over love as they grow older, but love is a deeper and more meaningful treasure that should not be neglected.
This poem offers rich material for discussion, reflection, and learning, making it an excellent resource for children and students to explore important life values through literature.
