by Thomas Hardy (1840 - 1928)
Rose‑Ann
Language: English
Why didn't you say you was promised, Rose-Ann? Why didn't you name it to me, Ere ever you tempted me hither, Rose-Ann, So often, so wearifully? O why did you let me be near 'ee, Rose-Ann, Talking things about wedlock so free, And never by nod or by whisper, Rose-Ann, Give a hint that it wasn't to be? Down home I was raising a flock of stock ewes, Cocks and hens, and wee chickens by scores, And lavendered linen all ready to use, A-dreaming that they would be yours. Mother said: "She's a sport-making maiden, my son"; And a pretty sharp quarrel had we; O why do you prove by this wrong you have done That I saw not what mother could see? Never once did you say you was promised, Rose-Ann, Never once did I dream it to be; And it cuts to the heart to be treated, Rose-Ann, As you in your scorning treat me!
Authorship:
- by Thomas Hardy (1840 - 1928), "Rose-Ann", appears in Time's Laughingstocks and Other Verses, first published 1909 [author's text checked 1 time against a primary source]
Musical settings (art songs, Lieder, mélodies, (etc.), choral pieces, and other vocal works set to this text), listed by composer (not necessarily exhaustive):
- by Ivor Foster , "Rose-Ann", published 1947 [ high voice and piano ], from Three Songs [sung text not yet checked]
- by Alfred Matthew Hale (1875 - 1960), "Rose-Ann", published 1926 [ voice and piano ] [sung text not yet checked]
- by Juliana Hall (b. 1958), "Rose Ann", 2006 [ baritone and piano ], from Julie Jane -- 5 songs for Baritone and Piano, no. 5 [sung text not yet checked]
- by Mary Sheldon , "Rose-Ann", 1925 [ voice and piano ] [sung text not yet checked]
Researcher for this text: Emily Ezust [Administrator]
This text was added to the website: 2008-01-14
Line count: 20
Word count: 157