A Broken Appointment By Thomas Hardy 6/2/1840-1/11/1928 You did not come, And marching Time drew on, and wore me numb. - Yet less for loss of your dear presence there Than that I thus found lacking in your make That high compassion which can overbear Reluctance for pure loving kindness' sake Grieved I, when, as the hope-hour stroked its sum, You did not come. You love not me, And love alone can lend you loyalty; - I know and knew it. But, unto the store Of human deeds divine in all but name, Was it not worth a little hour or more To add yet this: Once, you, a woman, came To soothe a time-torn man; even though it be You love not me? I'm sorry, while I don't love you, I still like you very much and am truly sorry about missing our appointment the other day.