The Curate’s Kindness Thomas Hardy

I

I thought they'd be strangers aroun' me,
       &nbsp But she's to be there!
Let me jump out o' waggon and go back and drown me
At Pummery or Ten-Hatches Weir.

II

I thought: "Well, I've come to the Union -
       &nbsp The workhouse at last -
After honest hard work all the week, and Communion
O' Zundays, these fifty years past.

III

"'Tis hard; but," I thought, "never mind it:
       &nbsp There's gain in the end:
And when I get used to the place I shall find it
       &nbsp A home, and may find there a friend.

IV

"Life there will be better than t'other.
       &nbsp For peace is assured.
THE MEN IN ONE WING AND THEIR WIVES IN ANOTHER
       &nbsp Is strictly the rule of the Board."