III

Thus far the lady’s story.—

Now she, too,

Reclines within that hoary

Last dark mew

In Mellstock Quire with him she loved so true.

A yellowing marble, placed there

Tablet-wise,

And two joined hearts enchased there

Meet the eyes;

And reading their twin names we moralize:

Did she, we wonder, follow

Jealously?

And were those protests hollow?—

Or saw he

Some semblant dame? Or can wraiths really be?

Were it she went, her honour,

All may hold,

Pressed truth at last upon her

Till she told—

(Him only—others as these lines unfold.)

Riddle death-sealed for ever,

Let it rest! . . .

One’s heart could blame her never

If one guessed

That go she did. She knew her actor best.

Time's Laughingstocks, and Other Verses · 第 163 / 168 题