You did not come,
And marching Time drew on, and wore me numb.
Yet less for loss of your dear presence there
Than that high compassion which can overbear
Reluctance for pure loving kindness’ sake
Grieved I, when, as the hope hour stroked its sum,
You did not come .
You love not me,
And love alone can lend you loyalty;
I know and knew it. But, unto the store
Of human deeds divine in all but name,
Was it not worth a little hour or more
To add yet this: once you, a woman, came
To soothe a time-torn man; even though it be
You love not me?
THOMAS HARDY
Numb : unable to feel or think
Overbear : dominate
Loyalty : faithfulness
Soothe : to calm
