Thomas+Hardy

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**The Man He Killed**
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Had he and I but met By some old ancient inn, We should have sat us down to wet Right many a nipperkin!

But ranged as infantry, And staring face to face, I shot at him and he at me, And killed him in his place.

I shot him dead because – Because he was my foe, Just so – my foe of course he was; That's clear enough; although

He thought he'd 'list perhaps, Off-hand like – just as I – Was out of work – had sold his traps – No other reason why.

Yes; quaint and curious war is! You shoot a fellow down You'd treat if met where any bar is, Or help to half-a-crown.

1. Is the speaker satisfied with the reason he provides for killing his enemy?

2. How is the speaker's description of war as "quaint and curious" ironic?

**Ah, Are You Digging on my grave?**
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"Ah, are you digging on my grave, My loved one? — planting rue?" — "No: yesterday he went to wed One of the brightest wealth has bred. 'It cannot hurt her now,' he said, 'That I should not be true.'"

"Then who is digging on my grave, My nearest dearest kin?" — "Ah, no: they sit and think, 'What use! What good will planting flowers produce? No tendance of her mound can loose Her spirit from Death's gin.'"

"But someone digs upon my grave? My enemy? — prodding sly?" — "Nay: when she heard you had passed the Gate That shuts on all flesh soon or late, She thought you no more worth her hate, And cares not where you lie.

"Then, who is digging on my grave? Say — since I have not guessed!" — "O it is I, my mistress dear, Your little dog, who still lives near, And much I hope my movements here Have not disturbed your rest?"

"Ah yes! You dig upon my grave… Why flashed it not to me That one true heart was left behind! What feeling do we ever find To equal among human kind A dog's fidelity!"

"Mistress, I dug upon your grave To bury a bone, in case I should be hungry near this spot When passing on my daily trot. I am sorry, but I quite forgot It was your resting place."