The Noble Lady’s Tale Thomas Hardy

I

       &nbsp "We moved with pensive paces,
       &nbsp       &nbsp I and he,
       &nbsp And bent our faded faces
       &nbsp       &nbsp Wistfully,
For something troubled him, and troubled me.

       &nbsp "The lanthorn feebly lightened
       &nbsp       &nbsp Our grey hall,
       &nbsp Where ancient brands had brightened
       &nbsp       &nbsp Hearth and wall,
And shapes long vanished whither vanish all.

       &nbsp "'O why, Love, nightly, daily,'
       &nbsp       &nbsp I had said,
       &nbsp 'Dost sigh, and smile so palely,
       &nbsp       &nbsp As if shed
Were all Life's blossoms, all its dear things dead?'

       &nbsp "'Since silence sets thee grieving,'
       &nbsp       &nbsp He replied,
       &nbsp 'And I abhor deceiving
       &nbsp       &nbsp One so tried,
Why, Love, I'll speak, ere time us twain divide.'