Poems of the Past and the Present: A Book of Verses, including timeless poems ‘The Ruined Maid’ and ‘The Darkling Thrush’

A timeless classic poetry collection from one of England’s most profound literary voices. Poems of the Past and the Present invites readers into the reflective, emotionally rich world of Thomas Hardy poems — where love, memory, time and the weight of history unfold in haunting verse. It is organized into five sections: War Poems, Poems of Pilgrimage, Miscellaneous Poems, Imitations and Retrospect. In this poetry book, Hardy delves into themes of love, grief, and the passage of time. Originally published in the early 20th century, this enduring work of Victorian poetry explores themes that remain deeply human and resonant. A perfect choice for lovers of classic books, British literature and soul-stirring poetry that speaks across generations. Sneak Peek “I SAID TO LOVE” I said to Love, “It is not now as in old days When men adored thee and thy ways All else above; Named thee the Boy, the Bright, the One Who spread a heaven beneath the sun,” I said to Love. I said to him, “We now know more of thee than then; We were but weak in judgment when, With hearts abrim, We clamoured thee that thou would’st please Inflict on us thine agonies,” I said to him. I said to Love, “Thou art not young, thou art not fair, No faery darts, no cherub air, Nor swan, nor dove Are thine; but features pitiless, And iron daggers of distress,” I said to Love. “Depart then, Love! . . . —Man’s race shall end, dost threaten thou? The age to come the man of now Know nothing of?— We fear not such a threat from thee; We are too old in apathy! Mankind shall cease.—So let it be,” I said to Love.