Architectural Masks

 BY THOMAS HARDY

Photo by Famena Xh

I

There is a house with ivied walls,

And mullioned windows worn and old,

And the long dwellers in those halls

Have souls that know but sordid calls,

And dote on gold.

By Famena Xh

II

In a blazing brick and plated show

Not far away a 'villa' gleams,

And here a family few may know,

With book and pencil, viol and bow,

Lead inner lives of dreams.

By Famena Xh

III

The philosophic passers say,

'See that old mansion mossed and fair,

Poetic souls therein are they:

And O that gaudy box! Away,

You vulgar people there.'

By Famena Xh

 Architectural Masks

By Thomas Hardy