At the Aquatic Sports, Thomas Hardy

Morris Dancers, West Bay

Fiddler, "with his back to the sea"

At the Aquatic Sports

With their backs to the sea two fiddlers stand

Facing the concourse on the strand,

And a third man who sings.

The sports proceed; there are crab-catchings;

The people laugh as levity spreads;

Yet these three do not turn their heads

                     To see whence the merriment springs.

They cease their music, but even then

They stand as before, do those three men,

Though pausing, nought to do:

They never face to the seaward view

To enjoy the contests, add their cheer,

So wholly is their being here

A business they pursue.


Thomas Hardy

The Yetties at West Bay

West Bay, Boxing Day Swim