Thomas Hardy (Томас Гарди (Харди))
A Beauty’s Soliloquy during Her Honeymoon
Too late, too late! I did not know my fairness Would catch the world’s keen eyes so! How the men look at me! My radiant rareness I deemed not they would prize so! That I was a peach for any man’s possession Why did not some one say Before I leased myself in an hour’s obsession To this dull mate for aye! His days are mine. I am one who cannot steal her Ahead of his plodding pace: As he is, so am I. One doomed to feel her A wasted form and face! I was so blind! It did sometimes just strike me All girls were not as I, But, dwelling much alone, how few were like me I could not well descry; Till, at this Grand Hotel, all looks bend on me In homage as I pass To take my seat at breakfast, dinner, – con me As poorly spoused, alas! I was too young. I dwelt too much on duty: If I had guessed my powers Where might have sailed this cargo of choice beauty In its unanchored hours! Well, husband, poor plain man; I’ve lost life’s battle! – Come – let them look at me. O damn, don’t show in your looks that I’m your chattel Quite so emphatically!
In a London Hotel, 1892
Thomas Hardy’s other poems:
