Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE RUINED MAID, by THOMAS HARDY



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THE RUINED MAID, by             Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: O 'melia, my dear, this does everything crown!
Last Line: Cannot quite expect that. You ain't ruined,' said she.
Subject(s): Irony; Prostitution; Harlots; Whores; Brothels


'O 'MELIA, my dear, this does everything crown!
Who could have supposed I should meet you in Town?
And whence such fair garments, such prosperi-ty?' -
'O didn't you know I'd been ruined?' said she.

- 'You left us in tatters, without shoes or socks,
Tired of digging potatoes, and spudding up docks;
And now you've gay bracelets and bright feathers three!' -
'Yes: that's how we dress when we're ruined,' said she.

- 'At home in the barton you said "thee" and "thou",
And "thik oon", and "theas oon", and "t'other"; but now
Your talking quite fits 'ee for high compa-ny!' -
'Some polish is gained with one's ruin,' said she.

- 'Your hands were like paws then, your face blue and bleak
But now I'm bewitched by your delicate cheek,
And your little gloves fit as on any la-dy!' -
'We never do work when we're ruined,' said she.

- 'You used to call home-life a hag-ridden dream,
And you'd sigh, and you'd sock; but at present you seem
To know not of megrims or melancho-ly!' -
'True. One's pretty lively when ruined,' said she.

- 'I wish I had feathers, a fine sweeping gown,
And a delicate face, and could strut about Town!' -
'My dear - a raw country girl, such as you be,
Cannot quite expect that. You ain't ruined,' said she.





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