Thomas Hardy — She revisits alone the church of her marriage

I have come to the church and chancel,        &nbsp Where all’s the same! - Brighter and larger in my dreams Truly it shaped than now, meseems,        &nbsp Is its substantial frame. But, anyhow, I made my vow,        &nbsp Whether for praise or blame, Here in this church and chancel        &nbsp Where all’s the same. Where touched the check-floored chancel        &nbsp My knees and his? The step looks shyly at the sun, And says, “’Twas here the thing was done,        &nbsp For bale or else for bliss!” Of all those there I least was ware        &nbsp Would it be that or this When touched the check-floored chancel        &nbsp My knees and his! Here in this fateful chancel        &nbsp Where all’s the same, I thought the culminant crest of life Was reached when I went forth the wife        &nbsp I was not when I came. Each commonplace one of my race,        &nbsp Some say, has such an aim - To go from a fateful chancel        &nbsp As not the same. Here, through this hoary chancel        &nbsp Where all’s the same, A thrill, a gaiety even, ranged That morning when it seemed I changed        &nbsp My nature with my name. Though now not fair, though gray my hair,        &nbsp He loved me, past proclaim, Here in this hoary chancel,        &nbsp Where all’s the same.