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1840–1928

THE CHIMES

Thomas Hardy

That morning when I trod the town The twitching chimes of long renown Played out to me The sweet Sicilian sailors’ tune,

And I knew not if late or soon My day would be: A day of sunshine beryl-bright And windless; yea, think as I might,

I could not say, Even to within years’ measure, when One would be at my side who then Was far away.

When hard utilitarian times Had stilled the sweet Saint-Peter's chimes I learnt to see That bale may spring where blisses are,

And one desired might be afar Though near to me.

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THE CHIMES · Thomas Hardy · Poetry Cove