Thomas Hardy — One We Knew

She told how they used to form for the country dances -        &nbsp "The Triumph," "The New-rigged Ship" - To the light of the guttering wax in the panelled manses,        &nbsp And in cots to the blink of a dip. She spoke of the wild "poussetting" and "allemanding"        &nbsp On carpet, on oak, and on sod; And the two long rows of ladies and gentlemen standing,        &nbsp And the figures the couples trod. She showed us the spot where the maypole was yearly planted,        &nbsp And where the bandsmen stood While breeched and kerchiefed partners whirled, and panted        &nbsp To choose each other for good. She told of that far-back day when they learnt astounded        &nbsp Of the death of the King of France: Of the Terror; and then of Bonaparte's unbounded        &nbsp Ambition and arrogance. Of how his threats woke warlike preparations        &nbsp Along the southern strand, And how each night brought tremors and trepidations        &nbsp Lest morning should see him land. She said she had often heard the gibbet creaking        &nbsp As it swayed in the lightning flash, Had caught from the neighbouring town a small child's shrieking        &nbsp At the cart-tail under the lash . . . With cap-framed face and long gaze into the embers -        &nbsp We seated around her knees - She would dwell on such dead themes, not as one who remembers,        &nbsp But rather as one who sees. She seemed one left behind of a band gone distant        &nbsp So far that no tongue could hail: Past things retold were to her as things existent,        &nbsp Things present but as a tale.