Thomas Hardy — I knew a lady

I knew a lady when the days        &nbsp Grew long, and evenings goldened;        &nbsp But I was not emboldened By her prompt eyes and winning ways. And when old Winter nipt the haws,        &nbsp “Another’s wife I’ll be,        &nbsp And then you’ll care for me,” She said, “and think how sweet I was!” And soon she shone as another’s wife:        &nbsp As such I often met her,        &nbsp And sighed, “How I regret her! My folly cuts me like a knife!” And then, to-day, her husband came,        &nbsp And moaned, “Why did you flout her?        &nbsp Well could I do without her! For both our burdens you are to blame!”