The Ruined Maid

The Ruined Maid - Thomas Hardy

O 'melia my dear this does everything crown

Who could have supposed I should meet you in town

And when such fair garments such prosperity

O didn't you know I'd been ruined said she

You left us in tatters without shoes or socks

Tired of digging potatoes and spudding up docks

And now you've gay bracelets and bright feathers three

Yes that's how we dress when we're ruined said she

At home in the barton you said 'thee' and 'thou '

And 'thik oon ' and 'theäs oon ' and 't'other' but now

Your talking quite fits 'ee for high company

Some polish is gained with one's ruin said she

Your hands were like paws then your face blue and bleak

But now I'm bewitched by your delicate cheek

And your little gloves fit as on any lady

We never do work when we're ruined said she

You used to call homelife a hag ridden dream

And you'd sigh and you'd sock but at present you seem

To know not of megrims or melancholy

True one's pretty lively when ruined said she

I wish I had feathers a fine sweeping gown

And a delicate face and could strut about town

My dear a raw country girl such as you be

Cannot quite expect that you ain't ruined said she