THE INQUIRY

And are ye one of Hermitage -

Of Hermitage, by Ivel Road,

And do ye know, in Hermitage

A thatch-roofed house where sengreens grow?

And does John Waywood live there still -

He of the name that there abode

When father hurdled on the hill

Some fifteen years ago?

Does he now speak o’ Patty Beech,

The Patty Beech he used to — see,

Or ask at all if Patty Beech

Is known or heard of out this way?

- Ask ever if she's living yet,

And where her present home may be,

And how she bears life's fag and fret

After so long a day?

In years agone at Hermitage

This faded face was counted fair,

None fairer; and at Hermitage

We swore to wed when he should thrive.

But never a chance had he or I,

And waiting made his wish outwear,

And Time, that dooms man's love to die,

Preserves a maid's alive.