Thomas Hardy — The Dark-eyed Gentleman

I I pitched my day's leazings in Crimmercrock Lane, To tie up my garter and jog on again, When a dear dark-eyed gentleman passed there and said, In a way that made all o' me colour rose-red,        &nbsp "What do I see -        &nbsp O pretty knee!" And he came and he tied up my garter for me. II 'Twixt sunset and moonrise it was, I can mind: Ah, 'tis easy to lose what we nevermore find! - Of the dear stranger's home, of his name, I knew nought, But I soon knew his nature and all that it brought.        &nbsp Then bitterly        &nbsp Sobbed I that he Should ever have tied up my garter for me! III Yet now I've beside me a fine lissom lad, And my slip's nigh forgot, and my days are not sad; My own dearest joy is he, comrade, and friend, He it is who safe-guards me, on him I depend;        &nbsp No sorrow brings he,        &nbsp And thankful I be That his daddy once tied up my garter for me!