I knew a lady Thomas Hardy

I knew a lady when the days
       &nbsp Grew long, and evenings goldened;
       &nbsp But I was not emboldened
By her prompt eyes and winning ways.

And when old Winter nipt the haws,
       &nbsp “Another’s wife I’ll be,
       &nbsp And then you’ll care for me,”
She said, “and think how sweet I was!”

And soon she shone as another’s wife:
       &nbsp As such I often met her,
       &nbsp And sighed, “How I regret her!
My folly cuts me like a knife!”

And then, to-day, her husband came,
       &nbsp And moaned, “Why did you flout her?
       &nbsp Well could I do without her!
For both our burdens you are to blame!”