The Ruined Maid by Thomas Hardy (1866) O Melia, my dear, this does everything crown! Who could have supposed I should meet you in Town? And whence such fair garments, such prosperi-ty? — O didnt you know Id been ruined? said she. — You left us in tatters, without shoes or socks, Tired of digging potatoes, and spudding up docks; And now youve gay bracelets and bright feathers three! — Yes: thats how we dress when were ruined, said she. — At home in the barton you said thee and thou, And thik oon, and theäs oon, and tother; but now Your talking quite fits ee for high compa-ny! — Some polish is gained with ones ruin, said she. — Your hands were like paws then, your face blue and bleak But now Im bewitched by your delicate cheek, And your little gloves fit as on any la-dy! — We never do work when were ruined, said she. — You used to call home-life a hag-ridden dream, And youd sigh, and youd sock; but at present you seem To know not of megrims or melancho-ly! — True. Ones pretty lively when ruined, said she. — I wish I had feathers, a fine sweeping gown, And a delicate face, and could strut about Town! — My dear — a raw country girl, such as you be, Cannot quite expect that. You aint ruined, said she. ******************** Jules Joseph Lefebvre (March 14, 1836 – February 24, 1911) was a French figure painter, educator and theorist. Paintings: Jules Joseph Lefebvre - Graziella (1878); Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. Jules Joseph Lefebvre - Housemaid (1880); Pera Museum, Istanbul.
Posted on: Sat, 10 Jan 2015 06:19:04 +0000
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