Poem by Thomas Hardy

The Caged Thrush Freed and Home Again

   (Villanelle)

‘Men know but little more than we,
Who count us least of things terrene,
How happy days are made to be!

‘Of such strange tidings what think ye,
O birds in brown that peck and preen?
Men know but little more than we!

‘When I was borne from yonder tree
In bonds to them, I hoped to glean
How happy days are made to be,

‘And want and wailing turned to glee;
Alas, despite their mighty mien
Men know but little more than we!

‘They cannot change the Frost’s decree,
They cannot keep the skies serene;
How happy days are made to be

‘Eludes great Man’s sagacity
No less than ours, O tribes in treen!
Men know but little more than we
How happy days are made to be.’

1. Genitrix Laesa
2. Song from Heine
3. V.R. 1819–1901
4. Over the Coffin
5. Song to an Old Burden

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