The Second Night Thomas Hardy

I missed one night, but the next I went;
       &nbsp It was gusty above, and clear;
She was there, with the look of one ill-content,
       &nbsp And said: “Do not come near!”

- “I am sorry last night to have failed you here,
       &nbsp And now I have travelled all day;
And it’s long rowing back to the West-Hoe Pier,
       &nbsp So brief must be my stay.”

- “O man of mystery, why not say
       &nbsp Out plain to me all you mean?
Why you missed last night, and must now away
       &nbsp Is - another has come between!”

- “ O woman so mocking in mood and mien,
       &nbsp So be it!” I replied:
“And if I am due at a differing scene
       &nbsp Before the dark has died,

“’Tis that, unresting, to wander wide
       &nbsp Has ever been my plight,
And at least I have met you at Cremyll side
       &nbsp If not last eve, to-night.”

- “You get small rest - that read I quite;
       &nbsp And so do I, maybe;
Though there’s a rest hid safe from sight
       &nbsp Elsewhere awaiting me!”