The Poetry Corner

St. Launce's Revisited

By Thomas Hardy

Slip back, Time! Yet again I am nearing Castle and keep, uprearing Gray, as in my prime. At the inn Smiling close, why is it Not as on my visit When hope and I were twin? Groom and jade Whom I found here, moulder; Strange the tavern-holder, Strange the tap-maid. Here I hired Horse and man for bearing Me on my wayfaring To the door desired. Evening gloomed As I journeyed forward To the faces shoreward, Till their dwelling loomed. If again Towards the Atlantic sea there I should speed, they'd be there Surely now as then? . . . Why waste thought, When I know them vanished Under earth; yea, banished Ever into nought.