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1840–1928

THE REJECTED MEMBER'S WIFE

Thomas Hardy

We shall see her no more On the balcony, Smiling, while hurt, at the roar As of surging sea

From the stormy sturdy band Who have doomed her lord's cause, Though she waves her little hand As it were applause.

Here will be candidates yet, And candidates’ wives, Fervid with zeal to set Their ideals on our lives:

Here will come market-men On the market-days, Here will clash now and then More such party assays.

And the balcony will fill When such times are renewed, And the throng in the street will thrill With to-day's mettled mood;

But she will no more stand In the sunshine there, With that wave of her white-gloved hand, And that chestnut hair.

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THE REJECTED MEMBER'S WIFE · Thomas Hardy · Poetry Cove