Explore "Rose-Ann" by Thomas Hardy on Textopian. Read with annotations and highlights.
WHY didn't you say you was promised, Rose-Ann? / Why didn't you name it to me, / Ere ever you tempted me hither, Rose-Ann, / So often, so wearifully?
O why did you let me be near 'ee, Rose-Ann, / Talking things about wedlock so free, / And never by nod or by whisper, Rose-Ann, / Give a hint that it wasn't to be?
Down home I was raising a flock of stock ewes, / Cocks and hens, and wee chickens by scores, / And lavendered linen all ready to use, / A-dreaming that they would be yours.
Mother said: "She's a sport-making maiden, my son"; / And a pretty sharp quarrel had we; / O why do you prove by this wrong you have done / That I saw not what mother could see?
Never once did you say you was promised, Rose-Ann, / Never once did I dream it to be; / And it cuts to the heart to be treated, Rose-Ann, / As you in your scorning treat me!