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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!

Text 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

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