The Ruined Maid

I was all set to answer the questions of Myne's meme today for my post but then I came across this poem in my newly acquired collection of Best Loved Poems Edited John Boyes. I just could not, not share it 'tis so lovely. I'm also quite stoked because I yesterday I got me'self 2 h/c copies of Graham Hancock's, Fingerprints of the Gods and Underworld which is signed. Yipeee!!! Enjoy the poem...

THE RUINED MAID
by: Thomas Hardy (1840-1928)

 " '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 didn't you know I'd been ruined?" said she.

"You left us in tatters, without shoes or socks,

Tired of digging potatoes, and spudding up docks;

And now you've gay bracelets and bright feathers three!"--

"Yes: that's how we dress when we're ruined," said she.

-- "At home in the barton you said `thee' and `thou,'

And `thik oon,' and `theäs oon,' and `t'other'; but now

Your talking quite fits 'ee for high compa-ny!"--

"Some polish is gained with one's ruin," said she.

-- "Your hands were like paws then, your face blue and bleak

But now I'm bewitched by your delicate cheek,

And your little gloves fit as on any la-dy!"--

"We never do work when we're ruined," said she.

-- "You used to call home-life a hag-ridden dream,

And you'd sigh, and you'd sock; but at present you seem

To know not of megrims or melancho-ly!"--

"True. One's 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 ain't ruined," said she.