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1840–1928

THE MARBLE TABLET

Thomas Hardy

There it stands, though alas, what a little of her Shows in its cold white look! Not her glance, glide, or smile; not a tittle of her Voice like the purl of a brook;

Not her thoughts, that you read like a book. It may stand for her once in November When first she breathed, witless of all; Or in heavy years she would remember

When circumstance held her in thrall; Or at last, when she answered her call! Nothing more. The still marble, date-graven, Gives all that it can, tersely lined;

That one has at length found the haven Which every one other will find; With silence on what shone behind.

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THE MARBLE TABLET · Thomas Hardy · Poetry Cove