The+Ruined+Maid

THE RUINED MAID " '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.
 * // by: Thomas Hardy (1840-1928) //**

"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.