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1840–1928

BARTHELEMON AT VAUXHALL

Thomas Hardy

He said: “Awake my soul, and with the sun,”... And paused upon the bridge, his eyes due east, Where was emerging like a full-robed priest The irradiate globe that vouched the dark as done.

It lit his face — the weary face of one Who in the adjacent gardens charged his string, Nightly, with many a tuneful tender thing, Till stars were weak, and dancing hours outrun.

And then were threads of matin music spun In trial tones as he pursued his way: “This is a morn,” he murmured, “well begun: This strain to Ken will count when I am clay!”

And count it did; till, caught by echoing lyres, It spread to galleried naves and mighty quires.

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BARTHELEMON AT VAUXHALL · Thomas Hardy · Poetry Cove