OLD EXCURSIONS

“What's the good of going to Ridgeway,

Cerne, or Sydling Mill,

Or to Yell'ham Hill,

Blithely bearing Casterbridge-way

As we used to do?

She will no more climb up there,

Or be visible anywhere

In those haunts we knew.”

But to-night, while walking weary,

Near me seemed her shade,

Come as‘ twere to upbraid

This my mood in deeming dreary

Scenes that used to please;

And, if she did come to me,

Still solicitous, there may be

Good in going to these.

So, I'll care to roam to Ridgeway,

Cerne, or Sydling Mill,

Or to Yell'ham Hill,

Blithely bearing Casterbridge-way

As we used to do,

Since her phasm may flit out there,

And may greet me anywhere

In those haunts we knew.