Thomas Hardy — Welcome Home

       &nbspTo my native place        &nbsp Bent upon returning,        &nbsp Bosom all day burning        &nbsp To be where my race Well were known, ‘twas much with me There to dwell in amity.        &nbsp Folk had sought their beds,        &nbsp But I hailed: to view me        &nbsp Under the moon, out to me        &nbsp Several pushed their heads, And to each I told my name, Plans, and that therefrom I came.        &nbsp “Did you? . . . Ah, ‘tis true        &nbsp I once heard, back a long time,        &nbsp Here had spent his young time,        &nbsp Some such man as you . . . Good-night.” The casement closed again, And I was left in the frosty lane.