Retty’s Phases

                             I

Retty used to shake her head,
   Look with wicked eye;
Say, 'I'd tease you, simple Ned,
   If I cared to try!'
Then she'd hot-up scarlet red,
   Stilly step away,
Much afraid of what she'd said
   Sounded bold to say.

                             II

Retty used to think she loved
   (Just a little) me.
Not untruly, as it proved
   Afterwards to be.
For, when weakness forced her rest
   If we walked a mile,
She would whisper she was blest
   By my clasp awhile.

                             III

Retty used at last to say
   When she neared the Vale,
'Mind that you, Dear, on that day
   Ring my wedding peal!'
And we all, with pulsing pride,
   Vigorous sounding gave
Those six bells, the while outside
   John filled in her grave.

                             IV

Retty used to draw me down
   To the turfy heaps,
Where, with yeoman, squire, and clown
   Noticeless she sleeps.
Now her silent slumber-place
   Seldom do I know,
For when last I saw  her face
   Was so long ago!