Thomas Hardy — Misconception

I busied myself to find a sure        &nbsp       &nbsp Snug hermitage That should preserve my Love secure        &nbsp       &nbsp From the world's rage; Where no unseemly saturnals,        &nbsp Or strident traffic-roars, Or hum of intervolved cabals        &nbsp Should echo at her doors. I laboured that the diurnal spin        &nbsp       &nbsp Of vanities Should not contrive to suck her in        &nbsp       &nbsp By dark degrees, And cunningly operate to blur        &nbsp Sweet teachings I had begun; And then I went full-heart to her        &nbsp To expound the glad deeds done. She looked at me, and said thereto        &nbsp       &nbsp With a pitying smile, "And THIS is what has busied you        &nbsp       &nbsp So long a while? O poor exhausted one, I see        &nbsp You have worn you old and thin For naught! Those moils you fear for me        &nbsp I find most pleasure in!"