Penance Thomas Hardy
On this page, discover the full lyrics of the song "Penance" by Thomas Hardy. Lyrxo.com offers the most comprehensive and accurate lyrics, helping you connect with the music you love on a deeper level. Ideal for dedicated fans and anyone who appreciates quality music.
“Why do you sit, O pale thin man,
  At the end of the room
By that harpsichord, built on the quaint old plan?
  - It is cold as a tomb,
And there’s not a spark within the grate;
  And the jingling wires
  Are as vain desires
  That have lagged too late.”
“Why do I? Alas, far times ago
  A woman lyred here
In the evenfall; one who fain did so
  From year to year;
And, in loneliness bending wistfully,
  Would wake each note
  In sick sad rote,
  None to listen or see!
“I would not join. I would not stay,
  But drew away,
Though the winter fire beamed brightly . . . Aye!
  I do to-day
What I would not then; and the chill old keys,
  Like a skull’s brown teeth
  Loose in their sheath,
  Freeze my touch; yes, freeze.”
  At the end of the room
By that harpsichord, built on the quaint old plan?
  - It is cold as a tomb,
And there’s not a spark within the grate;
  And the jingling wires
  Are as vain desires
  That have lagged too late.”
“Why do I? Alas, far times ago
  A woman lyred here
In the evenfall; one who fain did so
  From year to year;
And, in loneliness bending wistfully,
  Would wake each note
  In sick sad rote,
  None to listen or see!
“I would not join. I would not stay,
  But drew away,
Though the winter fire beamed brightly . . . Aye!
  I do to-day
What I would not then; and the chill old keys,
  Like a skull’s brown teeth
  Loose in their sheath,
  Freeze my touch; yes, freeze.”
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