Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, A CHURCH ROMANCE, by THOMAS HARDY


Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

A CHURCH ROMANCE, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: She turned in the high pew, until her sight
Last Line: Bowing 'new sabbath' or 'mount ephraim'.


(Mellstock: circa 1835)

SHE turned in the high pew, until her sight
Swept the west gallery, and caught its row
Of music-men with viol, book, and bow
Against the sinking sad tower-window light.

She turned again; and in her pride's despite
One strenuous viol's inspirer seemed to throw
A message from his string to her below,
Which said: 'I claim thee as my own forthright!'

Thus their hearts' bond began, in due time signed.
And long years thence, when Age had scared Romance,
At some old attitude of his or glance
That gallery-scene would break upon her mind,
With him as minstrel, ardent, young, and trim,
Bowing 'New Sabbath' or 'Mount Ephraim'.





Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!


Other Poems of Interest...
Home: PoetryExplorer.net