Thomas Hardy (Томас Гарди (Харди))
Retty’s Phases
I Retty used to shake her head, Look with wicked eye; Say, ‘I’d tease you, simple Ned, If I cared to try!’ Then she’d hot-up scarlet red, Stilly step away, Much afraid that what she’d said Sounded bold to say. II Retty used to think she loved (Just a little) me. Not untruly, as it proved Afterwards to be. For, when weakness forced her rest If we walked a mile, She would whisper she was blest By my clasp awhile. III Retty used at last to say When she neared the Vale, ‘Mind that you, Dear, on that day Ring my wedding peal!’ And we all, with pulsing pride, Vigorous sounding gave Those six bells, the while outside John filled in her grave. IV Retty used to draw me down To the turfy heaps, Where, with yeoman, squire, and clown Noticeless she sleeps. Now her silent slumber-place Seldom do I know, For when last I saw her face Was so long ago! From an old draft of 1868
NOTE. – In many villages it was customary after the funeral of an unmarried young woman to ring a peal as for her wedding while the grave was being filled in, as if Death were not to be allowed to balk her of bridal honours. Young unmarried men were always her bearers.
Thomas Hardy’s other poems:
