Penance
"Why do you sit, O pale thin man, At the end of the room By that harpsichord, built on the quaint old plan? It is cold as a tomb, And there's not a spark within the grate; And the jingling wires Are as vain desires That have lagged too late." "Why do I? Alas, far times ago A woman lyred here In the evenfall; one who fain did so From year to year; And, in loneliness bending wistfully, Would wake each note In sick sad rote, None to listen or see! "I would not join. I would not stay, But drew away, Though the winter fire beamed brightly . . . Aye! I do to-day What I would not then; and the chill old keys, Like a skull's brown teeth Loose in their sheath, Freeze my touch; yes, freeze."
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About this line
""Why do you sit, O pale thin man,..."
This evocative piece by Thomas Hardy, titled "Penance", represents a masterful exploration of classic. The lines capture a profound emotional resonance... ### Why We Love This Line At Linespedia, we believe that poetry is the ultimate sanctuary for the soul...