Thomas Hardy — Outside the casement

       &nbsp We sat in the room        &nbsp And praised her whom We saw in the portico-shade outside:        &nbsp She could not hear        &nbsp What was said of her, But smiled, for its purport we did not hide.        &nbsp Then in was brought        &nbsp That message, fraught With evil fortune for her out there,        &nbsp Whom we loved that day        &nbsp More than any could say, And would fain have fenced from a waft of care.        &nbsp And the question pressed        &nbsp Like lead on each breast, Should we cloak the tidings, or call her and tell?        &nbsp It was too intense        &nbsp A choice for our sense, As we pondered and watched her we loved so well.        &nbsp Yea, spirit failed us        &nbsp At what assailed us; How long, while seeing what soon must come,        &nbsp Should we counterfeit        &nbsp No knowledge of it, And stay the stroke that would blanch and numb?        &nbsp And thus, before        &nbsp For evermore Joy left her, we practised to beguile        &nbsp Her innocence when        &nbsp She now and again Looked in, and smiled us another smile.