Poem by Thomas Hardy

In the Nuptial Chamber

‘O that mastering tune!’ And up in the bed
Like a lace-robed phantom springs the bride;
‘And why?’ asks the man she had that day wed,
With a start, as the band plays on outside.
‘It’s the townsfolk’s cheery compliment
Because of our marriage, my Innocent.’

‘O but you don’t know! ’Tis the passionate air
To which my old Love waltzed with me,
And I swore as we spun that none should share
My home, my kisses, till death, save he!
And he dominates me and thrills me through,
And it’s he I embrace while embracing you!’

1. The Sleep-Worker
2. Song from Heine
3. Music in a Snowy Street
4. Paths of Former Time
5. Over the Coffin

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