Thomas Hardy — The old neighbour and the new

’Twas to greet the new rector I called I here,        &nbsp But in the arm-chair I see My old friend, for long years installed here,        &nbsp Who palely nods to me. The new man explains what he’s planning        &nbsp In a smart and cheerful tone, And I listen, the while that I’m scanning        &nbsp The figure behind his own. The newcomer urges things on me;        &nbsp I return a vague smile thereto, The olden face gazing upon me        &nbsp Just as it used to do! And on leaving I scarcely remember        &nbsp Which neighbour to-day I have seen, The one carried out in September,        &nbsp Or him who but entered yestreen.