Thomas Hardy - Cross-currents lyrics

They parted - a pallid, trembling I pair,   And rushing down the lane He left her lonely near me there;   - I asked her of their pain. “It is for ever,” at length she said,   “His friends have schemed it so, That the long-purposed day to wed   Never shall we two know.” “In such a cruel case,” said I,   “Love will contrive a course?” “ - Well, no . . . A thing may underlie,   Which robs that of its force; “A thing I could not tell him of,   Though all the year I have tried; This: never could I have given him love,   Even had I been his bride. “So, when his kinsfolk stop the way   Point-blank, there could not be A happening in the world to-day   More opportune for me! “Yet hear - no doubt to your surprise -   I am sorry, for his sake, That I have escaped the sacrifice   I was prepared to make!”