Thomas Hardy
The Singing Woman
  There was a singing woman
    Came riding across the mead
  At the time of the mild May weather,
      Tameless, tireless;
This song she sung: “I am fair, I am young!”
    And many turned to heed.
  And the same singing woman
    Sat crooning in her need
  At the time of the winter weather;
      Friendless, fireless,
She sang this song: “Life, thou’rt too long!”
    And there was none to heed.