Page:Wessex poems and other verses (IA wessexpoemsother00hard).pdf/209

 Then followed the custom-kept rout, shout, and flare Of a skimmington-ride through the naiborhood, ere Folk had proof o' wold Sweatley's decay. Whereupon decent people all stood in a stare, Saying Tim and his lodger should risk it, and pair: So he took her to church. An' some laughing lads there Cried to Tim, “After Sweatley!" She said, "I declare I stand as a maiden to-day!"

Written 1866; printed 1875.