Thomas Hardy — The Rejected Members Wife

We shall see her no more        &nbsp On the balcony, Smiling, while hurt, at the roar        &nbsp As of surging sea From the stormy sturdy band        &nbsp Who have doomed her lord's cause, Though she waves her little hand        &nbsp As it were applause. Here will be candidates yet,        &nbsp And candidates' wives, Fervid with zeal to set        &nbsp Their ideals on our lives: Here will come market-men        &nbsp On the market-days, Here will clash now and then        &nbsp More such party assays. And the balcony will fill        &nbsp When such times are renewed, And the throng in the street will thrill        &nbsp With to-day's mettled mood; But she will no more stand        &nbsp In the sunshine there, With that wave of her white-gloved hand,        &nbsp And that chestnut hair.