The old neighbour and the new Thomas Hardy

’Twas to greet the new rector I called I here,
       &nbsp But in the arm-chair I see
My old friend, for long years installed here,
       &nbsp Who palely nods to me.

The new man explains what he’s planning
       &nbsp In a smart and cheerful tone,
And I listen, the while that I’m scanning
       &nbsp The figure behind his own.

The newcomer urges things on me;
       &nbsp I return a vague smile thereto,
The olden face gazing upon me
       &nbsp Just as it used to do!

And on leaving I scarcely remember
       &nbsp Which neighbour to-day I have seen,
The one carried out in September,
       &nbsp Or him who but entered yestreen.