Her Definition
I lingered through the night to break of day, Nor once did sleep extend a wing to me, Intently busied with a vast array Of epithets that should outfigure thee. Full-featured terms - all fitless - hastened by, And this sole speech remained: "That maiden mine!" - Debarred from due description then did I Perceive the indefinite phrase could yet define. As common chests encasing wares of price Are borne with tenderness through halls of state, For what they cover, so the poor device Of homely wording I could tolerate, Knowing its unadornment held as freight The sweetest image outside Paradise. W. P. V., Summer 1866.
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"I lingered through the night to break of day,..."
Thomas Hardy's contribution to classic is further solidified by the brilliance found in "Her Definition"... ### Why We Love This Line At Linespedia, we believe that poetry is the ultimate sanctuary for the soul...