Thomas Hardy - The Chimes Play “Life's a bumper!” lyrics

“Awake! I'm off to cities far away,” I said; and rose, on peradventures bent. The chimes played “Life's a Bumper!” on that day To the measure of my walking as I went: Their sweetness frisked and floated on the lea, As they played out “Life's a Bumper!” there to me. “Awake!” I said. “I go to take a bride!” - The sun arose behind me ruby-red As I journeyed townwards from the countryside, The chiming bells saluting near ahead. Their sweetness swelled in tripping tings of glee As they played out “Life's a Bumper!” there to me. “Again arise.” I seek a turfy slope, And go forth slowly on an autumn noon, And there I lay her who has been my hope, And think, “O may I follow hither soon!” While on the wind the chimes come cheerily, Playing out “Life's a Bumper!” there to me.