Thomas Hardy

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A Broken Appointment

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You did not come,

and marching Time drew on, and wore me numb.

Yet less for loss  of your dear presence there

Than that I thus found lacking in your make

that high compassion which can overbear

reluctance for pure lovingkindness’ sake

Grieved I, when, as the hope-hour stroked the 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 sooth a time-torn man, even though it be

you love not me

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